Cordell Hull Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cordell Hull Lake |
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![]() Cordell Hull Lake
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Location | Smith / Jackson / Clay counties, Tennessee, US |
Coordinates | 36°17′24″N 085°56′38″W / 36.29000°N 85.94389°W |
Type | Reservoir |
Primary inflows | Cumberland River |
Primary outflows | Cumberland River |
Catchment area | 8,096 sq mi (20,970 km2) |
Basin countries | United States |
Managing agency | United States Army Corps of Engineers |
Built | 1963—1973 |
Max. length | 72 mi (116 km) |
Surface area | 11,960 acres (48.4 km2) |
Average depth | 20 ft (6.1 m) |
Max. depth | 90 ft (27 m) |
Water volume | 310,900 acre⋅ft (0.3835 km3) |
Shore length1 | 381 mi (613 km) |
Surface elevation | 504 ft (154 m) |
1 Shore length is not a well-defined measure. |
Cordell Hull Lake is a large lake in north-central Tennessee. It's located on the Cumberland River, about 40 miles east of Nashville, near the town of Carthage. This beautiful lake covers about 12,000 acres, offering lots of space for fun activities.
The lake and its dam are named after Cordell Hull. He was a very important person in American history. Cordell Hull served as the United States Secretary of State, which is like the country's top diplomat, for many years.
About Cordell Hull Lake
Cordell Hull Lake is actually a reservoir. This means it's a man-made lake created by building a dam across a river. The lake stretches for about 72 miles along the Cumberland River. Its deepest point is around 90 feet, but on average, it's about 20 feet deep. The lake has a long shoreline, perfect for exploring!
Cordell Hull Dam
The Cordell Hull Dam is the structure that created the lake. The United States Army Corps of Engineers built this dam. Construction started in May 1963 and finished in November 1973. That's ten years of hard work!
The dam serves several important purposes:
- Navigation: It helps boats and barges travel safely along the Cumberland River.
- Hydroelectric Power: The dam uses the force of the water to generate electricity. It has generators that can produce 100 megawatts of power. This is enough electricity for many homes!
- Recreation: The lake provides a wonderful place for people to enjoy outdoor activities.
The dam is 87 feet tall above the riverbed. It holds back a huge amount of water, helping to manage the river's flow and prevent floods.
Fun at the Lake
Cordell Hull Lake is a popular spot for many outdoor adventures. People love to visit for:
- Boating
- Fishing
- Swimming
- Camping
- Picnics
- Hiking
It's a great place to spend time outdoors with family and friends.