Crystal Lake (Vermont) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Crystal Lake |
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Crystal Lake in August 2010
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 Crystal Lake
Location in Vermont
Crystal Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | Barton, Orleans County, Vermont, United States |
| Coordinates | 44°43.92′N 72°9.06′W / 44.73200°N 72.15100°W |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | 3 mi (4.8 km) |
| Max. width | 1 mi (1.6 km) |
| Surface area | 763 acres (3.09 km2) |
| Max. depth | 100 ft (30 m) |
| Surface elevation | 968 ft (295 m) |
Crystal Lake is a beautiful lake located near the village of Barton in Orleans County, Vermont. It's in the northeastern part of the state. This lake was formed by glaciers long ago. It is about 3 mi (4.8 km) long and 1 mi (1.6 km) wide. In some spots, it can be as deep as 100 ft (30 m)!
A road called Route 5 runs along the western side of the lake. The state of Vermont owns Crystal Lake. It is looked after by the Department of Environmental Conservation.
Sometimes, plants that are not native to the lake can grow too much. One example is Eurasian water milfoil. Experts are working to control these plants. This helps keep the lake healthy for everyone.
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Fishing at Crystal Lake
Crystal Lake is a great place for fishing. It is known as a "coldwater fishery." This means it's a good home for fish that like cooler water.
You can find many types of fish here. Lake trout are native to the lake. This means they have always lived there. You might also catch rainbow trout, yellow perch, smallmouth bass, and chain pickerel. There are also other fish like rockbass, pumpkinseed, and different kinds of minnows.
History of the Lake
Early Visitors
Crystal Lake has a long history. In 1759, a group of soldiers called Rogers' Rangers passed through this area. They were retreating after a battle. The rangers split up, and one group found the Barton River. They followed it to the falls at the end of Crystal Lake. Here, they were able to catch fish to survive.
In the 1800s, people sometimes called the lake "Belle Pond."
The Lake's Dam
A dam was built on Crystal Lake in 1860. This dam helps control the lake's water levels. It is made of concrete, stone, and masonry. The dam is about 17 feet (5.2 m) tall and 65 feet (20 m) long. It helps manage the water that flows into and out of the lake.
Quarry Operations
Around the year 1900, there was a granite quarry on the east side of the lake. Granite is a type of rock used for building. Steamboats were used to carry the heavy stone across the lake to the west side.
Parks by the Lake
Crystal Lake has two parks at its northern end. These parks are great places for people to visit and enjoy the lake.
Crystal Lake State Park
The CCC started building Crystal Lake State Park during the Great Depression. This was a program that helped people find jobs. The park was finished in the 1940s. It is located on the northwestern edge of the lake. In 2005, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is an important historical site.
Pageant Park
Right next to the State Park, on the northeastern side, is Pageant Park. This is the town park for Barton, Vermont. Both parks offer fun ways to enjoy Crystal Lake.
