The mission waterworks system was extensive and evolved throughout its existence. The dam, along with the cement and tile flume (aqueduct) which carried water from the dam to mission crops, were two of the final and most significant features of the system, and the most impressive in terms of the challenges faced in building them.

Surprisingly, there is virtually no mention of the dam yet discovered in the Spanish records that even tells when the dam was built, or how long it took to build. There are no plans nor drawings of it showing how it was designed or describing any of the features, one being the waterwheel that was incorporated into the north end of the dam.

This research, which began as a need to know some answers as to how, when, and why this mysterious landmark was built, has evolved ... generating a number of valuable written works, discoveries, interpretive projects, and additional goals in learning, conservation and preservation of this fascinating and important historic landmark.

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~ Bill White

Reflections of Old Mission Dam This first article was published early in my research in a local newspaper in 1997, available since then as reprints at the Mission Trails Regional Park Visitor Center where Old Mission Dam is located, and is available here online. Happily, although there has been a volume of new information developed since then, the information presented in this article remains correct.

My early research and 1997 newspaper article garnered the interest of geologist Greg Cranham, who asked me to write a paper for the SDAG annual journal and wished to co-author the piece. Since then we have been working together on research and a comprehensive book on the entire waterworks system. Greg Cranham and I published the piece last year in Water for Southern California, a journal by the San Diego Association of Geologists, which was published by Sunbelt Publications and is available at selected bookstores and museums. It is a more comprehensive study than the first article, and a preliminary to the book being developed. The actual book we are writing on the waterworks system is expected to be ready for press within the next 2 years.

I have designed a very effective multi-media presentation which I narrate, highlighting different aspects and methods of our research and providing and overview, history and explanation of the waterworks system. This presentation continues to evolve as we uncover new and more complete information about the different features of the system and how it all fits together. I am presently adapting a version to the 4th grade California history requirement. This multi-media presentation has been shown to a number of audiences with very enthusiastic response. I am available to give this presentation, cost depending on circumstances. Please contact me thru this site if you are interested in having it shown either for education or for a public presentation.

Here is a link to contact me ~ billwhite@historyandculture.com ~
(actually any e-mail to historyandculture.com will reach me).