Canyon Lake is one of the most popular outdoor water recreation attractions in Texas, but did you know how it came about? Rare photos taken by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers way back in 1958 have recently resurfaced, giving us insight into the construction of this incredible place. You won’t want to miss these:
Given how susceptible the Hill Country is to flash flooding, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers decided to take a preemptive approach all the way back in 1958. A six-year project, Canyon Dam was completed in 1964 and has since been protecting the surrounding areas from dangerous levels of rainfall.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Explosives were brought in by the truckload to create a spillway that would eventually become the dam. Crews worked around the clock to lay a solid foundation for the over 6,000-foot long embankment.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Once the reservoir was filled, tourists started arriving in droves to swim, boat, kayak, and countless other water recreation activities. Though many decades have come and gone, one thing remains unchanged: Canyon Lake is, and always will be, a place for fun.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Water was added ever so slowly, forever burying the construction potentially responsible for preventing so many innocent people from drowning. The sheer power of Mother Nature should never be underestimated, and it takes hard work to develop a symbiotic relationship with her.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
So how does it all work, exactly? Well, the top of the dam is 974 feet above sea level. It releases water when the lake rises to 943 feet, largely preventing any catastrophic damage from occurring.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
By the time it was all said and done, more than $20 million was poured into the dam’s construction. It was money well spent, considering the barricade has remained a powerful force for the past 50 years.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Here’s a look at the dam today for comparison’s sake. It’s hard to believe just how much time has passed between the previous photos and this one. The landmark ages rather well, wouldn’t you agree?
Flickr/matthigh
Address: 601 Coe Road, Canyon Lake, TX 78133. For more information, visit the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ website or Facebook page.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Flickr/matthigh
Did you know these exclusive photos existed? If not, what do you think about them? Let us know your thoughts! Check out our previous article for more vintage photos of Texas: These 15 Vintage Photos Captured In Texas Will Take You Back In Time.
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