Guntersville Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Guntersville Lake |
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![]() Guntersville Lake
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![]() Location of the lake in Alabama
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Location | Jackson / Marshall counties, Alabama, United States |
Coordinates | 34°25′23″N 086°23′32″W / 34.42306°N 86.39222°W |
Lake type | reservoir |
Primary inflows | Tennessee River |
Primary outflows | Tennessee River |
Basin countries | United States |
Max. length | 75 mi (121 km) |
Surface area | 69,000 acres (28,000 ha) |
Guntersville Lake is a large and beautiful lake in northern Alabama. People often call it Lake Guntersville. It is located between the towns of Bridgeport and Guntersville. This lake is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and enjoying nature.
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About Guntersville Lake
Guntersville Lake is the biggest lake in Alabama. It covers a huge area of about 69,000 acres (280 square kilometers). The lake stretches for 75 miles (121 kilometers). It runs from the Guntersville Dam all the way to the Nickajack Dam.
How Guntersville Lake Was Formed
Guntersville Lake is not a natural lake. It is a reservoir, which means it was created by people. The lake was formed when the Guntersville Dam was built. This dam was constructed across the Tennessee River.
Naming the Lake and Dam
Both the lake and the dam are named after the nearby town of Guntersville. The town itself got its name from an early settler in the area. His name was John Gunter.
Scientists and the Lake
In the 1950s, some German scientists moved to the United States. They came to help with America's space programs. Many of these scientists lived in Huntsville, Alabama. They liked the area so much that some of them bought houses by Guntersville Lake. They enjoyed the peaceful setting and beautiful views.