Hodges Village Dam facts for kids
The Hodges Village Dam is a special project built to control floods. It's located on the French River (Massachusetts) in Oxford, Massachusetts. The dam was finished in 1959. It was built by the United States Army Corps of Engineers to help prevent big floods like the ones that happened in 1936. Those floods caused a lot of damage and even took lives in the Thames River area of Connecticut.
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Why Was Hodges Village Dam Built?
The main reason for building Hodges Village Dam was to stop floods. In 1936, a very large flood hit the region. This flood caused huge problems for many towns and cities. It damaged homes, businesses, and roads. To prevent such disasters from happening again, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers decided to build this dam. It helps control the water levels in the French River.
Fun Things to Do at Hodges Village Dam
Hodges Village Dam is not just for flood control; it's also a great place for outdoor activities! The western side of the French River area is open for many fun things.
Outdoor Adventures
- You can go hunting and fishing in designated areas.
- There are more than 18.2 miles of hiking trails to explore. These trails are perfect for walking and enjoying nature.
- You can also go boating on the river.
- For those who like motorized fun, there are special motorized bike trails on the west side of the river. Remember, ATVs and quads are not allowed here.
Exploring the Midstate Trail
A long hiking path called the Midstate Trail goes right through the Hodges Village Dam property. This trail is about 90 miles long! It's a great way to see more of the natural beauty around the dam.
How Hodges Village Dam is Managed
The Hodges Village Dam is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. It works together with another nearby flood control project called Buffumville Lake. Managing them together helps to better control water levels and prevent floods across the region.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
