Trenton Dam facts for kids
The Trenton Dam is a large dam built on the Republican River in Nebraska. You can find it in Hitchcock County, which is in the southwestern part of the state. It's located about two and a half miles west of the town of Trenton, Nebraska.
This dam creates a big lake called Lake Swanson. Both the dam and the lake are important for the area.
Contents
Discovering Trenton Dam
The Trenton Dam was built by the United States Bureau of Reclamation. Construction started in 1949 and finished in 1953.
Why Was Trenton Dam Built?
The main reasons for building Trenton Dam were to help farmers and prevent floods.
- Water for Farms: It stores water to help irrigate, or water, farm fields. This is super important for growing crops in the area.
- Flood Control: The dam also helps control floods. When there's a lot of rain, the dam can hold back extra water. This protects towns and farms downstream from flooding.
How Big is Trenton Dam?
Trenton Dam is quite large!
- It stands 144 feet tall. That's about as high as a 14-story building!
- The top of the dam, called its crest, is 8,600 feet long. That's over a mile and a half!
Lake Swanson: A Fun Place to Visit
Lake Swanson is the big lake formed by the Trenton Dam. It holds a lot of water, about 246,291 acre-feet. An acre-foot is the amount of water needed to cover one acre of land with water one foot deep.
Activities at Lake Swanson
Lake Swanson is a very popular spot for outdoor fun.
- Water Sports: You can go fishing and boating on the lake.
- Camping: Many people enjoy camping near the lake.
- Hiking: There are also places to go hiking and explore the land around the water.
- Hunting: Some areas are open for hunting.
The lake has a water surface of 4,974 acres. There are also 5,253 acres of land around the lake. The shoreline stretches for about 30 miles, offering lots of space for everyone to enjoy!
