Chilhowee Dam, dam in Monroe County, Tennessee, United States of America
Chilhowee Dam is a concrete structure spanning the Little Tennessee River that impounds a reservoir covering over 1,700 acres. The facility houses three Kaplan turbines that generate about 48 megawatts of electricity for the surrounding region and nearby industries.
The dam was built between 1955 and 1957 primarily to generate electricity for a nearby aluminum factory. Its listing on the National Register of Historic Places reflects its significance as part of the region's mid-20th century industrial development and energy infrastructure.
The dam represents regional industrial progress and is woven into local identity as a symbol of how communities harness water for power. Visitors walking along the shoreline encounter a landscape shaped by human engineering that has become part of everyday life here.
The dam is easily accessible by road with parking nearby for visitors. Be aware of property boundaries and local rules when exploring, and stay alert for wildlife including bears and copperhead snakes in the surrounding areas.
When water levels drop, the remains of an old bridge carrying US Highway 129 become visible beneath the surface. A dewatered section of the Little Tennessee River downstream features unusual rock formations with holes that may have been used by Native peoples to grind food.
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