Definition
Lake Hartwell is a large man‑made reservoir located on the border between the U.S. states of South Carolina and Georgia. It was created by the impoundment of the Savannah River by Hartwell Dam, a project of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Overview
Construction of Hartwell Dam began in 1955 and the reservoir was filled between 1962 and 1963. The lake serves multiple purposes, including hydroelectric power generation, flood control, water supply, and recreation. It is one of the largest reservoirs in the eastern United States and is a popular destination for boating, fishing, and other outdoor activities.
Etymology/Origin
The reservoir derives its name from Hartwell Dam, which in turn is named after the historic Hartwell community that existed in the area prior to inundation. The precise origin of the community’s name is not definitively documented, but it is commonly attributed to a local family or landowner bearing the surname Hartwell. Accurate information on the exact naming origin is not confirmed.
Characteristics
- Type: Reservoir (impoundment)
- Surface area: Approximately 56,000 acres (226 km²)
- Shoreline length: Roughly 962 miles (1,548 km)
- Maximum storage capacity: About 1,028,000 acre‑feet (1.27 billion m³)
- Primary inflows: Savannah River, Tugaloo River, and several smaller tributaries
- Primary outflow: Savannah River (regulated by Hartwell Dam)
- Dam specifications: Hartwell Dam is a concrete gravity dam that is 1,400 ft (427 m) long and 205 ft (62 m) high, equipped with hydroelectric turbines capable of generating roughly 344 MW of electricity.
- Management: Operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, with water-quality and wildlife management coordinated with state agencies of South Carolina and Georgia.
- Recreational facilities: Multiple public parks, marinas, campgrounds, and over 2,000 acres of designated wildlife management areas.
- Ecology: Supports diverse fish species such as largemouth bass, striped bass, crappie, and catfish; also provides habitats for waterfowl, migratory birds, and various terrestrial wildlife.
Related Topics
- Hartwell Dam – the concrete gravity dam that creates Lake Hartwell.
- Savannah River Basin – the larger river system of which Lake Hartwell is a component.
- Lake Jocassee – a neighboring reservoir upstream on the Keowee River, also managed by the Army Corps of Engineers.
- Hydroelectric power generation – the process by which the dam’s turbines convert water flow into electricity.
- Flood control – one of the primary purposes of the reservoir, mitigating downstream flooding on the Savannah River.
- Recreational fishing and boating – major economic and cultural activities associated with the lake.
All information presented reflects data available from reputable sources such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and state natural resources departments.