The enormous concrete dam is the major feature of the Elephant Butte National Register Historic District.

New Mexico State Parks operates a visitor center that contains information on the construction of the dam.

[4][5] The dam serves as a way to ease flooding, control irrigation and provide electricity.

[2] In the late 1800s, local newspapers were already referring to the area where the dam would eventually be built as Elephant Butte.

[2] Upper Town was designated for what was considered the higher class and more skilled workers, including engineers and supervisors.