Douglas Lake

Douglas Lake is a large Reservoir located in Tennessee, United States, near the cities of Sevierville, Dandridge, and Jefferson County. The lake is situated in the Great Smoky Mountains region, near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and is a popular destination for Tourism and Recreation. The lake is also close to the Tennessee Valley Authority's Douglas Dam, which was built by the United States Army Corps of Engineers and is operated by the Tennessee Valley Authority. The lake is named after Douglas Dam, which was named after Senator George Douglas, a United States Senator from Massachusetts.

Geography

The lake is approximately 43.1 kilometers long and 1.6 kilometers wide, with a surface area of 118.3 square kilometers and a maximum depth of 60 meters. The lake is fed by the French Broad River and is surrounded by the Great Smoky Mountains, which include peaks such as Mount LeConte, Clingmans Dome, and Mount Guyot. The lake is also near the Cherokee National Forest, which is managed by the United States Forest Service. The lake's shoreline is approximately 544 kilometers long and features many Coves, Inlets, and Peninsulas, including Cove Creek, Indian Creek, and Long Creek. The lake is located near the cities of Knoxville, Gatlinburg, and Pigeon Forge, which are popular tourist destinations.

History

The lake was created in 1943 with the construction of Douglas Dam by the Tennessee Valley Authority, which was established by the Tennessee Valley Authority Act of 1933, signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The dam was built to provide Hydroelectric power and Flood control for the surrounding region, which includes the French Broad River valley. The lake was named after Senator George Douglas, a United States Senator from Massachusetts who was a strong supporter of the Tennessee Valley Authority. The lake has a rich History, with many Archaeological sites and Historic buildings in the surrounding area, including the Dandridge Historic District and the Sevierville Historic District. The lake is also near the Battle of Dandridge, a Battle fought during the American Civil War.

Demographics

The population of the surrounding area is approximately 50,000 people, with the majority living in the cities of Sevierville, Dandridge, and Jefferson County. The area is predominantly White American, with a small percentage of African American and Hispanic and Latino American residents. The median household income is around $40,000, with a median home value of around $150,000. The area is served by the Sevier County School System and the Jefferson County School System, which include schools such as Sevier County High School and Jefferson County High School. The lake is also near the University of Tennessee, which is located in Knoxville.

Economy

The economy of the surrounding area is primarily driven by Tourism, with many visitors coming to the lake for Recreation and Outdoor activities such as Fishing, Boating, and Hiking. The lake is also a popular destination for Water sports, including Water skiing and Wakeboarding. The area is home to many Hotels, Resorts, and Bed and breakfast establishments, including the Dollywood theme park, which is owned by Dolly Parton. The lake is also near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which is one of the most visited National parks in the United States. The area is also home to many Manufacturing and Agriculture businesses, including the Tennessee Valley Authority's Douglas Dam.

Recreation

The lake offers many opportunities for Recreation and Outdoor activities, including Fishing, Boating, and Hiking. The lake is home to many species of Fish, including Largemouth bass, Smallmouth bass, and Crappie. The lake is also a popular destination for Water sports, including Water skiing and Wakeboarding. The surrounding area is home to many Parks and Trails, including the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Cherokee National Forest. The lake is also near the Cades Cove historic valley, which is a popular destination for Hiking and Biking. The area is also home to many Golf courses, including the Dollywood theme park's Golf course.

Environmental Concerns

The lake is subject to many Environmental concerns, including Water pollution and Habitat destruction. The lake is fed by the French Broad River, which is prone to Flooding and Erosion. The lake is also home to many species of Aquatic life, including Fish and Plants, which are affected by Water quality and Habitat destruction. The surrounding area is also home to many Endangered species, including the Black bear and the White-tailed deer. The lake is managed by the Tennessee Valley Authority, which works to maintain Water quality and Habitat conservation in the surrounding area. The lake is also near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular destination for Ecotourism. Category:Lakes of Tennessee