Nimrod Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Nimrod Lake |
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 Nimrod Lake
Location in Arkansas
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| Location | Perry / Yell counties, Arkansas, United States |
| Coordinates | 34°57′03″N 93°14′37″W / 34.9509481°N 93.2435690°W |
| Type | reservoir |
| Primary inflows | Fourche LaFave River |
| Primary outflows | Fourche LaFave River |
| Basin countries | United States |
Nimrod Lake is a large, man-made lake in western Arkansas. It was created by building the Nimrod Dam. This lake is the oldest project built by the Corps of Engineers in Arkansas. It was finished in 1942 on the Fourche LaFave River.
Contents
Discover Nimrod Lake: Fun Activities and Nature
Nimrod Lake is a popular spot for outdoor fun. Many people come here to fish and hunt. The most common fish you can catch include crappie, largemouth bass, bream, white bass, and catfish.
Besides fishing, the lake is great for other activities. You can enjoy water skiing, swimming, and boating.
Where Does the River Come From?
The Fourche LaFave River starts near Y City, Arkansas and Boles. The word "Fourche" means "fork" in French. It's believed that "LaFave" was the name of a French family who lived in the area long ago.
How Nimrod Lake Got Its Name
Nimrod Lake is named after a person called Nimrod. He was a great-grandson of Noah from ancient stories. Nimrod was known as a very strong hunter. The lake was named after him because of all the wildlife around it.
Location and Nearby Forests
Nimrod Lake is right next to Scenic Byway 7. It sits between two big forests: the Ouachita National Forest and the Ozark National Forest.
Building Nimrod Lake: A Look at Its History
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The Nimrod Dam was built during a tough time in history. It was constructed at the end of the Great Depression and the start of World War II. The idea for Nimrod Lake came from the Flood Control Act of 1938.
Construction Timeline
- Late 1939: Engineers started looking for the best place to build the dam.
- Early 1940: Work began to get the site ready for construction.
- Mid-1940: The actual building of the dam started.
- March 1942: Construction finished, even after World War II had begun.
First Lake in Arkansas by the Corps of Engineers
Nimrod Lake was the very first lake built by the Corps of Engineers' Little Rock District. It was also the first Corps lake in all of Arkansas. The whole project cost about $3,773,000.
From Flood Control to Fun Activities
When the lake was finished, people realized it could be used for more than just flood control. It became a great place for fun activities. Today, camping, swimming, boating, and hunting are very popular at Nimrod Lake.
In June 1992, Nimrod Lake celebrated its 50th birthday. This celebration honored all the construction workers, engineers, and contractors who helped make the lake possible.
