Sherwood Dam, Gravity dam in Ventura County, United States.
Sherwood Dam is a concrete barrier that forms Lake Sherwood reservoir across a valley in Ventura County. The impounded water creates a recreational body of water where visitors can pursue water-based activities year-round.
This structure was built in 1904 by W.H. Matthiessen as Alturas Dam, making it California's first artificial lake created for irrigation and water supply. The site later became a filming location for multiple productions after William Randolph Hearst acquired the property in the late 1920s.
The lake earned its name during 1920s film productions of Robin Hood with Douglas Fairbanks, when the location served as a stand-in for Sherwood Forest. This movie connection shaped how people think of the place and remains woven into local identity today.
The area around the reservoir provides access to water for swimming, fishing, and boating throughout the year. Visitors should check local guidelines for these activities and prepare for variable weather conditions that may affect water-based recreation.
The lake served as a filming location for numerous Hollywood productions beyond Robin Hood, becoming a backdrop for adventure films throughout the 20th century. This lesser-known aspect of its history shows how small California locations shaped the movie industry.
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