Historic American Engineering Record: Bartlett Dam, Maricopa County, Arizona

Historic American Engineering Record (HAER) No. AZ-25 presents a written historical summary and relevant historical documentation about the construction and use of Bartlett Dam, which impounds the Verde River 50 miles northeast of Phoenix, Arizona to create Bartlett Reservoir. The report contains a narrative description, photographs, drawings, and maps.

The Bartlett Dam is a major component of the Salt River Project's water supply system that provides Verde River water for agricultural, industrial, and residential use in the lower reaches of the Verde Valley and northern portions of the Salt River Valley. The dam is historically significant, because it represents the first multiple arch dam that the Bureau of Reclamation constructed. It was also the highest multiple arch dam constructed in the United States at the time of its completion.

The development of the Verde River and eventual construction of Bartlett Dam is closely tied to the history of Verde River water rights and allocation. The Salt River Water User's Association and the Verde River Irrigation and Power District engaged in a lengthy political struggle over the river's waters. The Salt River Water User's Association ultimately won the rights to develop and manage the lower Verde.