Cherokee Dam

Cherokee Dam, located in the TVA region of the United States, is a significant embankment dam that impounds the Holston River, creating the Cherokee Lake. The dam is operated by the TVA, a federal agency established by the Tennessee Valley Authority Act of 1933, signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The construction of the dam was a major project that involved the collaboration of various organizations, including the United States Army Corps of Engineers and the Federal Power Commission. The dam's design and construction were influenced by the work of notable engineers, such as Nikola Tesla and Hyde Clarke.

Introduction

The Cherokee Dam is a vital component of the TVA's water management system, providing flood control, hydroelectric power generation, and water supply for various purposes, including agriculture, industry, and municipalities. The dam's construction was a significant undertaking that required the expertise of engineers, such as John R. Freeman and Mordecai T. Endicott, who worked on similar projects, including the Hoover Dam and the Grand Coulee Dam. The dam's operation is closely tied to the work of other TVA dams, including the Fort Loudoun Dam and the Tellico Dam, which are also located on the Tennessee River and its tributaries. The Cherokee Dam is also connected to the Appalachian Regional Commission, which aims to promote economic development in the Appalachian Region.

Geography and Hydrology

The Cherokee Dam is situated in the TVA region, which encompasses parts of Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama. The dam is located on the Holston River, a tributary of the Tennessee River, which flows into the Ohio River and eventually into the Mississippi River. The Holston River is also connected to other notable rivers, including the French Broad River and the Nolichucky River, which are popular for whitewater rafting and kayaking. The dam's reservoir, Cherokee Lake, covers an area of approximately 28,685 acres and has a shoreline of over 400 miles, providing opportunities for boating, fishing, and other recreational activities. The lake is also home to several islands, including Cherokee Island and Looney Island, which are popular for hiking and birdwatching.

Construction and Operations

The construction of the Cherokee Dam began in 1940 and was completed in 1941, with a workforce of over 2,000 laborers, including Civilian Conservation Corps members and World War II veterans. The dam's design and construction were influenced by the work of notable engineers, such as Arthur E. Morgan and Harold L. Ickes, who worked on similar projects, including the Boulder Dam and the Parker Dam. The dam's operation is managed by the TVA, which is responsible for maintaining the dam's structural integrity, as well as ensuring the safe and efficient generation of hydroelectric power. The dam's power plant has a generating capacity of 136 megawatts, providing electricity to over 50,000 homes and businesses, including those in Knoxville, Tennessee, Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Asheville, North Carolina. The dam is also connected to the Eastern Interconnect, a power grid that spans the eastern United States.

Environmental Impact

The construction of the Cherokee Dam had a significant impact on the environment, including the displacement of over 1,000 families and the flooding of several communities, including Middlesettlements, Tennessee and Carter's Valley, Tennessee. The dam's reservoir, Cherokee Lake, has also altered the natural flow of the Holston River, affecting the habitats of various aquatic species, including the brook trout and the smallmouth bass. However, the dam has also created new habitats for other species, such as the bald eagle and the osprey, which can be found in the surrounding Cherokee National Forest. The TVA has implemented various measures to mitigate the environmental impact of the dam, including the creation of wetlands and wildlife refuges, such as the Cherokee Wildlife Management Area and the Tellico Lake Wildlife Management Area.

Recreation and Tourism

The Cherokee Dam and its reservoir, Cherokee Lake, offer a wide range of recreational activities, including boating, fishing, swimming, and water skiing. The surrounding Cherokee National Forest provides opportunities for hiking, camping, and hunting, with over 600 miles of trails, including the Appalachian Trail and the John Muir Trail. The dam is also a popular spot for birdwatching, with over 200 species of birds documented in the area, including the American bald eagle and the peregrine falcon. The TVA has developed several recreational facilities, including the Cherokee Dam Recreation Area and the Cherokee Lake Marina, which offer amenities such as picnic areas, boat launches, and fishing piers. The dam is also close to several notable attractions, including the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and the Tennessee Theatre. Category:Dams in the United States