The Oregon Trail passed north of town, through the present-day reservoir.

[5] It was moved in 1925 to facilitate construction of the nearby American Falls Dam.

The old townsite sits at the bottom of the reservoir, northwest of the present city.

A larger dam was completed in 1978, downstream from the deteriorating 1927 structure, which was later demolished.

[6] According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.69 square miles (4.38 km2), all of it land.

21.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

22.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

[14] In 2004, Randy Jensen, Principal of William Thomas Middle School in American Falls, was awarded the National Principal of Secondary Schools Award.