Bartlett L. Thane

Bartlett Lee "Bart" Thane (August 26, 1877 – November 7, 1927) was an American mining engineer who pioneered hydroelectric power in Juneau, Alaska. The world's first thin arch dam, Salmon Creek Dam, was constructed by Thane.

Thane was born in Oakland, California, USA, in August 1877. His parents were Joseph E. Thane and Laura E. Thane. His father was a well-known orchardist from Niles, California. His maternal grandfather was Judge Harmon J. Tilden. Thane's sister was named Laura. He attended the University of California, Berkeley, where he graduated with a degree in mining engineering in 1899. While attending the university, he played college football and was the quarterback of the 1898 California Golden Bears football team that defeated Stanford in the "Big Game" for the first time by a score of 22 to 0. He was also a member of Skull and Keys and Kappa Alpha Order at Cal.

Thane first came to Alaska in 1897. He was hired by Herman T. Tripp to work at the Sumdum Chief Mine south of Juneau. He was the first superintendent of the Eagle River Mining Company (1903-1910), before becoming Managing Director of the Alaska-Gastineau Mining Company. By 1911, he had controlling interest in six Juneau area gold mines. In 1912, he took control of the Perseverance Mine and developed it into the world's largest. With the assistance of his former college football friends, Thane constructed Salmon Creek Dam, the world's first thin arch dam, in 1914.

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