As summer begins, many families will be headed to Alabama’s beautiful lakes and reservoirs for fishing, boating or just relaxing.
One of those spots is marking an anniversary.
Fifty years ago this month, on June 2, 1966, the H. Neely Henry Dam began operations.
Superintendent Martin Windham takes us on a tour of the dam, which is still looking young at the half-century mark.
Take a virtual tour of 50-year-old H. Neely Henry Dam from Alabama NewsCenter on Vimeo.
Built by Alabama Power, the Coosa River structure created the 11,200-acre, 339-mile shoreline H. Neely Henry Lake.
Many public access areas lie on the lake, including Ten Islands Historic Park, Tillison’s Bend boat launch and two tailrace fishing points below the dam.
The dam and reservoir have provided power and flood control for half a century. They’ve poured hundreds of millions of dollars into the greater Gadsden area through economic development and tourism.
Enjoy — and don’t forget to say “Happy birthday!”
