Kentucky Dam

Kentucky Dam is a 2,567-meter-long structure spanning the Tennessee River between Livingston and Marshall counties. Two navigation locks allow commercial vessels to pass through while the facility generates electricity from the water flow.

Construction started in 1938 by the Tennessee Valley Authority and was completed in 1944 during World War II. The project was part of a broader effort to develop and manage river resources across the region.

The dam transformed how local communities relate to water, creating Kentucky Lake and opening new possibilities for fishing, boating, and outdoor recreation. People gather here regularly for these water-based activities.

Visitors can view the structure from above and watch ships passing through the navigation locks on the river. A nearby visitor center provides information about how the facility operates and its role in the area.

The structure was specially engineered to withstand earthquakes because it sits near the New Madrid Seismic Zone. This made construction more challenging than typical dam projects in other regions.

Location: Livingston County

Location: Marshall County

Inception: 1938

Length: 2,567 m

GPS coordinates: 37.01310,-88.26920

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:20