Kentucky Lake
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| Kentucky Lake | |
|---|---|
| Location | Kentucky / Tennessee |
| Lake type | reservoir |
| Basin countries | United States |
Kentucky Lake is a major navigable artificial lake along the Tennessee River in Kentucky and Tennessee. Created in 1944 by the Tennessee Valley Authority's impounding of the Tennessee River by Kentucky Dam[1], the 160,309-acre (649 km²) lake is the largest artificial lake in the United States east of the Mississippi River.
It provides a source for hydro-electric power and, as one of the lakes alluded to by the name of Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area, is a recreational magnet in western Kentucky and Tennessee.
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[edit] Recreation
The lake holds records for the largest of three species of fish ever taken in Kentucky: white bass (5 lb.), Buffalo carp (55 lb.), and yellow perch (1 lb., 4 oz).[2] It is also the major attraction for two Kentucky state parks: Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park to the north and Kenlake State Resort Park to the west.[1]
[edit] Making of the Lake
When Kentucky Lake was created during World War II, many farms, homes, towns, roads, and railroads had to be relocated. The most notable community to be affected was Birmingham. Roads that were affected include US 62, US 68, US 79, Kentucky 58, Kentucky 80, Kentucky 94, and several others. Railroads to be relocated include the Illinois Central (now Paducah & Louisville Railroad) and the now-abandoned Louisville & Nashville. The currents of Kentucky Lake have now wiped out most of the remnants of roads and foundations.[citation needed]
Although many homes were moved there still are many homes and buildings below the surface. Many graves were moved, but in the first years following the flooding of the area it was not uncommon for the water to make its way below the lake floor and loosen a lost or forgotten casket and cause it to float to the surface. Maps are readily available for people to use a guide to dive to see old homes and grave sites.
Many of the old roads are still used with just a small fence stopping traffic from driving into the lake. If a person stands at the end of the road as it goes into the lake they can usually look across the lake and see the road reappear and also used. Another use of many of the old roads that go into the lake are pre-made public use boat launch ramps.
[edit] References
- ^ a b (1992) "Lakes", in Kleber, John E.: The Kentucky Encyclopedia, Associate editors: Thomas D. Clark, Lowell H. Harrison, and James C. Klotter, Lexington, Kentucky: The University Press of Kentucky. ISBN 0813117720.
- ^ Kentucky State Record Fish List. Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (2006-04-17). Retrieved on 2007-02-17.
[edit] See also
- Dams and reservoirs of the Tennessee River
- Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area
- Kenlake State Resort Park
- Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park
[edit] External links
- Kentucky Lake (a commercial website)
- Visitor's guide by Marshall County, Kentucky Tourist Commission
