A Historic Powerhouse Completed in 1919 by Alcoa, the Cheoah Dam was a global pioneer in hydroelectric technology. At the time of its construction, it set records that drew international attention to these North Carolina mountains. • World-Record Heights: When finished, it was the highest overflow dam in the world, standing 225 feet tall. • Engineering Firsts: It housed the largest turbines in the world at the time and featured a transmission line with the highest voltage ever used. • Inverted A