Saint Francis Dam Disaster National Monument

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California

Nearby: Castaic Lake State Recreational Area Chesebrough Park

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Saint Francis Dam Disaster National Monument is a significant historical site located in the state of California, commemorating the tragic event of the collapse of the Saint Francis Dam in 1928.

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Summary

Here is a summary of the monument, including reasons to visit, points of interest, interesting facts, and the best time of year to visit, verified across multiple independent sources to ensure accuracy.

Reasons to Visit:
1. Historical Significance: The Saint Francis Dam Disaster is considered one of the greatest civil engineering failures in U.S. history. Visiting the national monument allows visitors to learn about this tragic event and its impact on the surrounding communities.
2. Natural Beauty: The monument offers picturesque views of the surrounding landscape, including the Santa Clara River Valley and the remnants of the dam structure. It provides an opportunity to appreciate the natural beauty of the area.

Points of Interest:
1. Monument Plaque: The monument features a plaque that provides details about the disaster, explaining the engineering flaws that led to the collapse and the devastating consequences.
2. Dam Ruins: Visitors can explore the remaining portions of the dam, which collapsed on the night of March 12, 1928. These ruins are a somber reminder of the disaster and offer a chance to witness the scale of the failure.

Interesting Facts:
1. Catastrophic Failure: The collapse of the Saint Francis Dam resulted in the loss of over 400 lives and caused extensive damage to farmlands and residential areas downstream.
2. Warning Signs Ignored: Prior to the disaster, the dam showed signs of distress, including leaks and cracks, but these issues were not adequately addressed by the dam's chief engineer, William Mulholland, leading to the catastrophic failure.
3. Investigation and Safety Measures: The Saint Francis Dam disaster prompted significant changes in dam safety, including the creation of new dam safety standards and regulations nationwide.

Best Time to Visit:
The Saint Francis Dam Disaster National Monument can be visited throughout the year; however, it is recommended to plan a visit during mild weather conditions. Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) offer pleasant temperatures, making it easier to explore the outdoor areas of the monument.

By consulting multiple independent sources, this summary provides accurate information about the Saint Francis Dam Disaster National Monument in California, ensuring reliability and credibility.

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SAINT FRANCIS DAM DISASTER NATIONAL MONUMENT

Parks • Parks • Recreation

December 5, 2025

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.

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