J. Strom Thurmond Dam, Dam and hydroelectric power station in McCormick County, South Carolina, United States

J. Strom Thurmond Dam is a concrete-gravity dam and embankment on the Savannah River, forming a reservoir that stretches into both South Carolina and Georgia. The structure spans 1,096 feet and rises 204 feet above the riverbed, and it houses a power station with a capacity of 380 megawatts.

Built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers between 1946 and 1954, the dam was originally called Clarks Hill Dam and was renamed in 1988 to honor Senator Strom Thurmond. It was constructed for flood control, hydroelectric power, and navigation improvements along the Savannah River.

The dam is known as Clarks Hill Dam in Georgia, a name that honors Revolutionary War hero Elijah Clark, whose burial site is nearby at Elijah Clark State Park. Locals often use the two names interchangeably, and the lake behind the dam is a popular spot for fishing and boating.

Visitors can access the dam from either the South Carolina or Georgia side, with parking areas near the visitor center and observation points. It is best to check local conditions before heading out, as some areas may be closed for maintenance or security reasons.

The dam helps prevent an estimated three million dollars in flood damage each year, and the surrounding area includes projects like the Christopher D. Spiller pollinator trail and longleaf pine habitat restoration. These efforts take place on land that once housed workers during the dam's construction.