 The Flood of 1937
The idea of Kentucky Lake was was born when the flood of 1937
struck the Tennessee and Ohio Valleys. The flood caused
devastation to communities, farms, and families, causing some to
relocate. The following year, in 1938, five years after TVA was
created, TVA told people living on the banks of the Tennessee River in
Kentucky that they
would have to relocate once again - this time, forever.
Kentucky Dam
Kentucky Dam was almost built at Aurora - what a huge difference
there would be today if the dam was at Aurora! However,
Gilbertsville was picked over Aurora (and Birmingham, KY) because the geology of the
area was better. The dam was started in 1938 and was completed in
1944. It began holding back the waters of the Tennessee River;
slowly the river flooded its banks and crept higher and higher.
Now, the flooded Tennessee River, Kentucky Lake, stands about 50 feet
higher than the original river.
 Kentucky
Lake
When Kentucky Lake was created back 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, but you can see an old
railroad line in this photograph at right from space courtesy of the US
Geological Survey taken in late 1998.
You can read an in-depth research report
on Kentucky Dam and the community that developed during construction,
Kentucky Dam Village,
here. (a new window will open)
Pictured at right: This is
the old Nashville and Louisville Railroad line running from Paris to
Clarksville. The line relocated when Kentucky Lake was
built. Remnants of the line can still be seen from space.
The existing line has now been abandoned. Photo Courtesy US
Geological Survey. Pictured at left: What is left of old US
79 bridges near Paris Landing at winter pool. These bridges
are probably over 70 years old and obviously haven't been used for over
50 years.
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