In these days of climate change and concern about using fossil fuels, Old Hickory Lake and Dam stand out as important examples of clean energy. As a side benefit, the area around Old Hickory Lake and Dam is now a great place for visitors to enjoy numerous outdoor activities. Hendersonville, TN information can be seen at this link.
History
In the 1930s, the Tennessee Valley area around Hendersonville and Nashville was plagued by floods, poverty, and a need for power. The TVA was part of President Roosevelt’s New Deal to help lift the country out of the Great Depression. Building Old Hickory Dam, which resulted in the formation of Old Hickory Lake, accomplished all three goals: it gave jobs to local residents, it controlled floods, and it improved the quality of life of people in many areas of Tennessee. Discover facts about Rockland Recreation Area in Hendersonville, TN.
Today
Today visitors can camp out at the lake’s campgrounds and hike on many trails in the area. The lake itself is 22,500 acres, so there are literally thousands of different ways to enjoy the lake and the dam area. There are boat docks available, and the campgrounds are open from April through October. Just looking at the dam impresses visitors with the many marvels of engineering used to build it.