Liberty Reservoir facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Liberty Reservoir |
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Aerial view of Liberty Reservoir
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 Liberty Reservoir
Location in Maryland
Liberty Reservoir
Location in the United States
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| Location | Baltimore / Carroll counties, near Eldersburg, Maryland |
| Coordinates | 39°25′04″N 76°52′44″W / 39.417895°N 76.878891°W |
| Type | reservoir |
| Primary inflows | North Branch Patapsco River |
| Primary outflows | North Branch Patapsco River |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Average depth | 59 ft (18 m) |
| Max. depth | 144 ft (44 m) |
| Water volume | 43 billion US gallons (160,000,000 m3) |
| Surface elevation | 410 ft (120 m) (dam crest) |
Liberty Reservoir is a large reservoir located west of Baltimore, Maryland. It is about one mile north of the McKeldin area of Patapsco Valley State Park. This important reservoir is owned by the City of Baltimore Department of Public Works. Even though it belongs to the city, it is located outside the city limits. It forms a natural border between Baltimore and Carroll Counties. You can find more information about the reservoir on its official website, LibertyReservoir.org.
Contents
What is the History of Liberty Reservoir?
The land where Liberty Reservoir now sits was once home to the town of Oakland Mill. It also had the Melville Woolen Mills. This area covered about 1,225 hectares (3,100 acres). The city bought the land from the Melville family in the 1930s.
How Was the Reservoir Created?
For a while, there was a rumor that Oakland Mill would be removed. But most people did not leave their homes. In 1942, the city officially announced that a reservoir would be built. The real work began in 1947 when timber cutters arrived to clear the land.
In 1951, the government bought the Melville Woolen Mill for $1.5 million. They also bought many farms and houses that were in the way. People who lived and worked on these lands had to move.
The old mill building was blown up with dynamite. However, parts of its five-story shell remained. It took several years for the water to rise high enough to cover these old walls. Natural springs, small rivers, and other water sources slowly filled the area. This is how Liberty Reservoir was created where Oakland Mills once stood. The water first overflowed the dam on February 6, 1956.
What are the Features of Liberty Reservoir?
The main water source for Liberty Reservoir is the North Branch of the Patapsco River. Many other smaller streams, called tributaries, also feed into it. These include Beaver Run, Keyer's Run, Prugh Run, Morgan Run, Middle Run, Locust Run, and Cooks Branch.
How Big is Liberty Reservoir?
The reservoir is about 11 miles (18 km) long. When it is full, its shoreline stretches for 81 miles (131 km). The average depth of the water is 59 feet (18 meters). At its deepest point, the reservoir reaches 144 feet (44 meters).
What Activities Can You Do at Liberty Reservoir?
Liberty Reservoir offers many fun activities for visitors. You can enjoy biking, boating, and hiking. It's also a great place for fishing and birdwatching. Many people come here to simply relax and enjoy nature.
What Activities are Not Allowed?
Some activities are not permitted at the reservoir to keep everyone safe and protect the environment. These include camping, making fires, swimming, and drinking alcohol. Even though swimming is not allowed, some people do swim during hot summer days. Baltimore Environmental Police Officers patrol the area to ensure rules are followed.
What Trails are Available?
The trails around the reservoir are mostly unpaved fire access roads. These roads are usually kept clear for easy use. There are also many miles of smaller, single-track trails for more adventurous hikers and bikers. North of the dam, there is a firing range used by the Maryland State Police.
See also
In Spanish: Liberty Reservoir para niños
