Old Hickory Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Old Hickory Lake |
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 Old Hickory Lake
Location in Tennessee
Old Hickory Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | Davidson / Sumner / Wilson / Trousdale / Smith counties, Tennessee, United States |
| Coordinates | 36°19′N 86°29′W / 36.317°N 86.483°W |
| Lake type | reservoir |
| Primary inflows | Cumberland River |
| Primary outflows | Cumberland River |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface elevation | 445 ft (136 m) |
Old Hickory Lake is a large lake in north central Tennessee. It is a reservoir, which means it's a man-made lake. It was created by building a dam across a river. This lake was formed by the Old Hickory Lock and Dam on the Cumberland River.
The lake is about 25 miles (40 km) upstream from Nashville. The city of Hendersonville is on its northern shore. The community of Old Hickory is on the southern side. The lake stretches for about 97 miles (156 km) upstream.
What is Old Hickory Lake?
Old Hickory Lake is a big body of water. It covers about 22,500 acres (91 km²). The water level stays fairly steady, usually around 445 feet (136 meters) above sea level. This makes it a great place for many activities.
The lake and its dam are named after President Andrew Jackson. He was nicknamed "Old Hickory." President Jackson lived nearby at a place called The Hermitage.
Building the Lake
The Old Hickory Lock and Dam helps create the lake. A "lock" is like a water elevator for boats. It helps them move between different water levels. The "dam" holds back the river water to form the lake.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers built and now manages the lake and dam. This is a group of engineers who work for the U.S. Army. They build and manage many important water projects. Construction of Old Hickory Lake started in January 1952. The dam was finished in June 1954.
Fun Things to Do
Old Hickory Lake is a popular spot for outdoor fun. There are many public places to enjoy the lake. You can find eight different marinas here. Marinas are places where boats can dock and get supplies.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers also runs two campgrounds. These are great places to stay overnight. There are also 41 different spots where you can launch a boat. The Old Hickory Lake Arboretum is another interesting place to visit by the lake.
History Around the Lake
A historic home called Rock Castle is located along Old Hickory Lake. This was once the home of Daniel Smith. He was an important person in settling the area of Hendersonville.
