It is the largest dam of its type east of the Mississippi River and its purpose is to mitigate downstream flooding between Mount Morris and Lake Ontario.

Morris Dam was built between 1948 and 1952 by the Buffalo District office of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE).

[2] Prior to the construction of the dam, the Genesee River Valley and the city of Rochester had experienced periodic flooding.

[2] Prior projects in Rochester, including retaining walls and a deepening of the river, were insufficient to stop a major flood event.

[3] The USACE states that, in the years since the completion of the dam, an estimated $1 billion in flooding damages have been prevented.

Had the spillway overtopped, accumulated debris in the reservoir would have passed downstream, causing log jams and additional damage.

A celebration and dedication of the commemorative kiosk was held to honor and recognize the men and women employed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Buffalo District and Mount Morris Dam Builders, 1948–1952.