Cheatham Lock and Dam

Cheatham Lock and Dam is a concrete structure crossing the Cumberland River that controls water flow and allows boats to navigate through marked channels. The facility includes a lock chamber for raising and lowering vessels and a dam that forms a large water reservoir.

Built in 1943, the lock and dam was part of a major infrastructure project to improve navigation and prevent flooding on the Cumberland River. This construction linked wartime investment needs with long-term water management goals.

The lock and dam shaped how people along the river fish and move goods by boat, becoming part of daily life for communities that depend on the Cumberland River.

The facility is open to the public year-round, offering free access to fishing areas and designated viewing spots to watch the lock operate. Water levels and operating conditions change with the seasons, so check local conditions before planning water activities.

The lock chamber lifts boats over an elevation change of about 26 feet, while behind the dam stretches a reservoir about 67 miles long from Nashville to Ashland City. This combination of elevation control and large water storage creates an unusual example of river engineering in this part of the country.

Location: Cheatham County

GPS coordinates: 36.31979,-87.22257

Latest update: December 14, 2025 17:43