The photograph shows Grand Coulee Dam on the Columbia River, with water spilling over the crest and the reservoir backed up behind the concrete wall. A partially built powerhouse block sits at the base, and arid hills rise beyond. The dam was a New Deal project built between 1933 and 1942 to bring irrigation and hydroelectric power to the Columbia Basin; at the time it was the largest concrete structure in the world. The printed caption reads 'GRAND COULEE DAM'.
White border; sepia-toned real photo print. Printed caption 'GRAND COULEE DAM' at the lower edge of the image. "1918" printed in lower left corner (likely a negative/plate number rather than a date). No postmark or stamp present. Divided-back 'POST CARD / CORRESPONDENCE / ADDRESS' imprint with dashed 'PLACE STAMP HERE' box. Collector's pencil notation 'RMLT 4 -' at top center. Real-photo card with white border; light foxing/toning along left edge.
Cite this card
Grand Coulee Dam under construction, Grand Coulee, WA, circa 1941, postcard, c. 1941. PostalPast Collection. https://postalpast.com/postcard/grand-coulee-dam-under-construction-grand-coulee-wa-circa-19. Accessed November 2, 2026.
