By Victoria Rowden
The History of Lake Ouachita
Lake Ouachita (pronounced WASH-it-aw) is the largest lake located entirely in the state of Arkansas. According to the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism, this 40,100 acre lake has over 970 miles of shoreline.
Early Inhabitants
Lake Ouachita is names for the Washita Indians which inhabited the valley that is now Lake Ouachita. Washita literally means "sparkling silver water" and "good hunting grounds." Most of the Washita tribe was gone from the valley by 1690.
Flooding and Government Surveys
The lower river valley experienced regular flooding due to the drop in elevation. Government surveys were first conducted in the late 1800s to determine if there was a solution to the flooding problem. Dams were recommended.
Dam Proposals
A permit was issued for dam construction in the 1930s to Arkansas Power & Light. However, due to problems arising from the depression the government soon terminated the permit.
Flood Control Bill
The project was revived in 1944 with the passing of a flood control bill in Congress. In 1946 the Army Corps of Engineers began the process of relocating farms and homes in the Ouachita Valley.
Blakey Mountain Dam
Construction on the Blakely Mountain Dam began in 1948 and lasted four years. The finished rolled-earth dam created the current Lake Ouachita.
About the Author:
Victoria Rowden has been a freelance writer since 2008. Her work can be found on Associated Content and eHow. She holds a Bachelor's degree in psychology from Missouri Southern State University, and is currently a full-time graduate student working on her Masters in experimental psychology.
Photo Credits:
Tiffani Sineath, Wikimedia Commons
