Allegheny Reservoir facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Allegheny Reservoir |
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State Route 59 crossing the reservoir in Warren County, Pennsylvania
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 Allegheny Reservoir
Location in Pennsylvania
Allegheny Reservoir
Location in the United States
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| Location | Pennsylvania and New York |
| Coordinates | 41°50′16″N 79°00′14″W / 41.83778°N 79.00389°W |
| Type | Reservoir |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | 24 mi (39 km) |
| Surface area | 21,180 acres (85.7 km2) |
The Allegheny Reservoir is a large, man-made lake. It is located in Pennsylvania and New York, USA. People also call it Kinzua Lake. Sometimes, it's unofficially known as Lake Perfidy. This name comes from a song by Peter La Farge, sung by Johnny Cash. The song suggests that building the reservoir went against an old agreement. This agreement was made in 1794 between George Washington and a Seneca chief named Cornplanter. The reservoir was created in 1965. This happened when the Kinzua Dam was built across the Allegheny River.
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How the Reservoir Was Made
The Allegheny Reservoir is a lake created by people. It was formed when the Kinzua Dam was built on the Allegheny River in 1965. The United States Congress decided to build this dam. It was mainly for flood control, to stop big floods.
Why the Dam Was Built
The dam also helps with other things. It controls water during dry times. It produces electricity using water power. It also offers a place for people to have fun and relax. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers built and now manages the lake and the dam.
Impact on Communities
Building the lake and dam cost about $108 million. This project caused several small towns to be flooded. People living in these areas had to move. Some of the flooded lands belonged to the Seneca Nation. This area is special because not many private buildings are found along the reservoir's edge.
Where is the Allegheny Reservoir?
The Allegheny Reservoir is surrounded by beautiful natural areas. These include the Allegheny National Forest in Pennsylvania. In New York, it's next to Allegany State Park. It's also near the Seneca Nation's Allegany Reservation.
Size and Location
This man-made lake is about 198 miles (319 km) upstream from where the river meets Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The reservoir is located in Warren and McKean counties in Pennsylvania. In New York, it's in Cattaraugus County and the Allegany Reservation. The reservoir is 24 miles (39 km) long. When it's full, it covers an area of 21,180 acres (85.7 km2). The end of the reservoir that isn't dammed reaches close to the city of Salamanca. Much of the Allegheny National Recreation Area is around the reservoir.
