DeGray Lake
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
DeGray Lake is a lake on the Caddo River, 8 miles from Arkadelphia. DeGray Lake offers a huge span of recreational area and spectacular views. Arkansas Scenic Byway 7 is located on the eastern shore of the lake, and provides views of the lake, and also places to stay down the road.
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[edit] Overview
DeGray lake and dam were authorized by Congress in the River and Harbor Act of 1950. Yet Congress passed the Water Supply Act of 1958, which provided for the inclusion of municipal and industrial water supply as one of the project purposes. Construction on the dam began in 1936 and was completed in 1972 at a cost of $63,800,000. A 40,000 kW hydraulic turbine and a 28,000 kW turbine, generate electricity for the Southwestern Power Administration of Arkansas, Texas, and Oklahoma. DeGray dam impounds the waters of the Caddo River to form a flood control lake that covers 13,400 acres, and a shoreline of 207 miles.
[edit] History
The history of the DeGray area dates back to AD 700 when the area was inhabited by the Caddo Indians. Hernando DeSoto then came and explored this area in 1541, after coming across Hot Springs. The Caddo Indians' way of life was changed forever when coming in contact with the Spanish explorers, the Indians were introduced to the horse. Now the Indians had an advantage when hunting or going into war. In the 1700's French fur trappers brought trade to the area with their extensive trapping methods. DeGray Lake was in fact named after a French fur trader, DeGraff, who settled this region. Several artifacts have been found near the dam site, and many have been brought to a local university, Henderson State University.
[edit] See also
List of Arkansas dams and reservoirs
