The history of Table Rock Lake is very interesting to me. I often find myself trying to imagine what it must have been like before the dam was built and the valleys were flooded. Not everyone thought the lake was a great idea. In fact, I asked my husband's Grandfather about times prior to Table Rock. He is still bitter about it. He explained to me about how much beautiful land is now under water and that is how many of the young men made money. Between the valleys were lush flat meadows that were perfect for harvesting hay for livestock. Many men made a living by hauling hay. But before the dam was built, flooding along the river banks was a great problem. Once the lake was in, the lush fields were gone and a new way of life emerged for folks of the Ozarks. Today the lake is a huge attraction for locals and tourists.
There are many areas of the lake that over 200 feet deep. This is great for scuba diving, fishing and other water sports. There are also many things buried under the water. Several bridges were left in place at the time of flooding to provide fish habitats. As an example, the old Kimberling City Bridge was left behind. There is also a town or two left behind, the most famous being Oasis. A remanence of Oasis can still be seen from the Long Creek Bridge at Ridgedale. Between the two small islands peaking out of the water in the once deep valley is where the small town used to be. Structures such as houses still exist.
The Corp of Engineers regulates Table Rock Lake. They have a great mission in mind. They limit the number of boat docks that can placed on the water's edge. They also regulate the vegetation along the shoreline. Some folks I am sure get frustrated by the rules placed by the Corp of Engineers. I think what they do is great. They want to prevent our Table Rock from becoming littered with dock after dock and barren land. By setting limitations, the lake will remain beautiful. Did you know on the James River Arm, that the Corp regulations actually begin at the Y Bridge in Galena? The Corp of Engineers has a great web-site as well that answers many questions that new comers to the area may find helpful. http://www.swl.usace.army.mil/parks/tablerock/index.htm
So without the lake, would the Ozarks be what it is today?
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