H. Neely Henry Dam was the first dam built as a part of an Alabama Power Company construction program that further developed the Coosa River in the late 1950s and the 1960s. The project included the construction of Weiss, Logan Martin and Bouldin dams and the redevelopment of Lay Dam. The facility was named after H. Neely Henry, a senior executive vice-president of Alabama Power.

The story of H. Neely Henry Dam and H. Neely Henry Lake began as a story of energy. It continues today as a story of flood control, recreation and economic opportunity, irrigation and drinking water, and fish and wildlife habitats. Power was just the beginning. 

H. Neely Henry Reservoir Facts:
Elevation above sea level: 508 feet
Area: 11,200 acres
Shoreline: 339 miles
Length: 77.6 miles
Maximum depth at dam: 53 feet
Area of watershed draining into reservoir: 6,600 square miles