The Golden Age of the lumber industry occurred during Major Allen’s 11 years in St. Paul. Hundreds of private logging dams were built, causing problems for landowners and navigation interests. To solve these problems, Allen proposed that 41 Federal reservoirs be built in the headwaters of the Mississippi, St. Croix, Wisconsin, and Chippewa Rivers. Citing the need for increased flow at St. Paul, he built timber dams at Winnibigoshish, Leech, Pokegama, and Cross Lakes. Allen dredged the Red River to facilitate wheat shipping. He also sent Captain Dan C. Kingman to develop the roads and bridges in Yellowstone Park.