Buckeye Lake (Ohio) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Buckeye Lake |
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 Buckeye Lake
Location in Ohio
Buckeye Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | Fairfield, Licking, and Perry counties, Ohio, USA |
| Coordinates | 39°55′17″N 82°30′52″W / 39.92139°N 82.51444°W |
| Type | Reservoir |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface area | 3,173 acres (12.84 km2) |
| Surface elevation | 892 ft (272 m) |
| Islands | Round Island |
| Settlements | Millersport, Buckeye Lake, Thornport |
Buckeye Lake is a large, man-made lake located in Ohio, USA. It stretches across three counties: Fairfield, Licking, and Perry. This beautiful lake was first created in the 1800s to help with a canal system. Today, it's a popular spot for fun activities like boating and fishing.
Contents
The Story of Buckeye Lake
From Swamp to Canal Reservoir
Long ago, even before the 1750s, the area where Buckeye Lake now sits was a big swamp. People called it "Buffalo Lick." Important trails used by Native American tribes passed right by this swamp.
To help build the Ohio and Erie Canal, workers started building a large wall, called a dike, between 1826 and 1830. This dike blocked the South Fork of the Licking River. The goal was to create a huge pool of water to feed the canal system, which was like a water highway for boats carrying goods.
A New Name and New Fun
In 1894, the Ohio State Legislature officially changed the reservoir's name to "Buckeye Lake." As the canal system became less important in the early 1900s, the lake's purpose changed. It became a place for recreation!
Over time, an amusement park and other fun businesses grew up around the lake. People came to enjoy themselves. Later, in 1949, Buckeye Lake was named a state park. Many people built vacation homes or even moved permanently to live near the lake.
Fixing the Dam
In 2015, experts from the Army Corps of Engineers checked the lake's dam. They found some weaknesses and suggested that the dam needed repairs. Ohio's Governor, John Kasich, approved $150 million to fix the dam and make it safe.
The dam was successfully repaired within three years, costing less than expected, at $107 million. A special ceremony was held on November 8, 2018, to celebrate the completion of the project. Now, Buckeye Lake's dam is strong and secure for everyone to enjoy the lake safely.
