Bee Tree Dam is a concrete gravity dam on the Pigeon River in Haywood County, North Carolina. Completed in 1927, it is the first major hydroelectric dam constructed in the state. The dam is 205 feet high and 1,120 feet long and impounds a reservoir of 16,000 acre-feet. The dam's power plant has a capacity of 40 megawatts.
Bee Tree Dam is an important part of the region's energy infrastructure, providing electricity to thousands of homes and businesses. The dam also provides flood control and recreation opportunities. The Bee Tree Lake behind the dam is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and swimming.
The construction of Bee Tree Dam had a significant impact on the local economy. The dam created jobs and helped to boost the region's tourism industry. The dam also helped to improve the quality of life for local residents by providing a reliable source of electricity and flood control.
Bee Tree Dam, North Carolina
Bee Tree Dam is a concrete gravity dam on the Pigeon River in Haywood County, North Carolina. Completed in 1927, it is the first major hydroelectric dam constructed in the state. The dam is 205 feet high and 1,120 feet long and impounds a reservoir of 16,000 acre-feet. The dam's power plant has a capacity of 40 megawatts.
- Hydroelectricity: Bee Tree Dam is an important part of the region's energy infrastructure, providing electricity to thousands of homes and businesses.
- Flood control: The dam also provides flood control and recreation opportunities. The Bee Tree Lake behind the dam is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and swimming.
- Construction: The construction of Bee Tree Dam had a significant impact on the local economy. The dam created jobs and helped to boost the region's tourism industry.
- History: Bee Tree Dam is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
- Environment: The dam has helped to improve the quality of life for local residents by providing a reliable source of electricity and flood control.
- Recreation: The Bee Tree Lake behind the dam is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and swimming.
These six key aspects highlight the importance of Bee Tree Dam to the region. The dam provides electricity, flood control, recreation, and economic benefits. It is also a historic landmark and an important part of the local environment.
1. Hydroelectricity
Bee Tree Dam is a concrete gravity dam on the Pigeon River in Haywood County, North Carolina. Completed in 1927, it is the first major hydroelectric dam constructed in the state. The dam is 205 feet high and 1,120 feet long and impounds a reservoir of 16,000 acre-feet. The dam's power plant has a capacity of 40 megawatts.
Bee Tree Dam is an important part of the region's energy infrastructure, providing electricity to thousands of homes and businesses. Hydroelectricity is a clean and renewable source of energy, and Bee Tree Dam plays a vital role in reducing the region's reliance on fossil fuels. The dam also provides flood control and recreation opportunities. The Bee Tree Lake behind the dam is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and swimming.
The construction of Bee Tree Dam had a significant impact on the local economy. The dam created jobs and helped to boost the region's tourism industry. The dam also helped to improve the quality of life for local residents by providing a reliable source of electricity and flood control.
2. Key Insights
- Bee Tree Dam is an important part of the region's energy infrastructure, providing electricity to thousands of homes and businesses.
- Hydroelectricity is a clean and renewable source of energy, and Bee Tree Dam plays a vital role in reducing the region's reliance on fossil fuels.
- The dam also provides flood control and recreation opportunities.
- The construction of Bee Tree Dam had a significant impact on the local economy.
- The dam helped to create jobs and boost the region's tourism industry.
- Bee Tree Dam is a historic landmark and an important part of the local environment.
The continued operation of Bee Tree Dam is essential to the region's energy security and economic well-being.
3. Flood control
Flood control is an important function of Bee Tree Dam. The dam helps to regulate the flow of the Pigeon River, reducing the risk of flooding downstream. This is especially important during periods of heavy rainfall, when the river can rise quickly. The dam also helps to protect against flooding caused by ice jams and debris flows.
In addition to flood control, the dam also provides recreation opportunities. The Bee Tree Lake behind the dam is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and swimming. The lake is also home to a variety of wildlife, including fish, birds, and turtles. The dam's recreation area includes a boat ramp, picnic tables, and grills.
The flood control and recreation opportunities provided by Bee Tree Dam are important to the local community. The dam helps to protect homes and businesses from flooding, and it also provides a place for people to enjoy the outdoors. The dam is a valuable asset to the community, and it plays an important role in the local economy.
4. Construction
The construction of Bee Tree Dam had a significant impact on the local economy. The dam created jobs and helped to boost the region's tourism industry. The dam was built in the 1920s, a time when the region was struggling economically. The dam provided much-needed jobs and helped to stimulate the local economy. The dam also attracted tourists to the area, who came to see the dam and the surrounding mountains. The tourism industry has continued to grow in the years since the dam was built, and it is now a major part of the local economy.
The construction of Bee Tree Dam is a good example of how a major infrastructure project can have a positive impact on the local economy. The dam has provided jobs, boosted tourism, and helped to improve the quality of life for local residents. The dam is a valuable asset to the community, and it plays an important role in the local economy.
The construction of Bee Tree Dam is also a reminder of the importance of investing in infrastructure. Infrastructure projects can create jobs, boost the economy, and improve the quality of life for local residents. Governments should make infrastructure a priority, and they should invest in projects that will have a positive impact on the community.
5. History
Bee Tree Dam is listed on the National Register of Historic Places because of its significance in the development of hydroelectric power in North Carolina. The dam was the first major hydroelectric dam built in the state, and it played a vital role in the electrification of the region. The dam is also a significant example of early 20th-century concrete dam design.
The National Register of Historic Places is a list of properties that are considered to be significant to the history, architecture, archaeology, or culture of the United States. Bee Tree Dam is one of over 90,000 properties listed on the National Register in North Carolina. The dam is also a contributing property to the Historic Resources of Haywood County Multiple Property Submission, which recognizes the importance of the county's historic resources.
The listing of Bee Tree Dam on the National Register of Historic Places is a recognition of its importance to the history of North Carolina and the United States. The dam is a reminder of the state's early industrial development and its commitment to renewable energy. The dam is also a valuable asset to the community, and it continues to play a vital role in the local economy.
6. Environment
The construction of Bee Tree Dam has had a positive impact on the environment and the quality of life for local residents. The dam provides a reliable source of electricity, which has helped to improve the quality of life for local residents. The dam also helps to control flooding, which has protected homes and businesses from damage.
- Reliable source of electricity
The dam provides a reliable source of electricity for the local community. This electricity is used to power homes, businesses, and schools. The dam also helps to reduce the region's reliance on fossil fuels, which has environmental benefits.
- Flood control
The dam helps to control flooding by regulating the flow of the Pigeon River. This has protected homes and businesses from damage, and it has also reduced the risk of flooding downstream. The dam also helps to protect against ice jams and debris flows.
The construction of Bee Tree Dam has had a positive impact on the environment and the quality of life for local residents. The dam provides a reliable source of electricity, which has helped to improve the quality of life for local residents. The dam also helps to control flooding, which has protected homes and businesses from damage.
7. Recreation
The Bee Tree Lake behind the dam is a popular spot for recreation. People enjoy fishing, boating, and swimming in the lake. The lake is also a popular spot for picnicking and camping. The recreation opportunities provided by the lake are an important part of the Bee Tree Dam project.
The recreation opportunities provided by the lake have a number of benefits for the local community. The lake provides a place for people to relax and enjoy the outdoors. The lake also attracts tourists to the area, which benefits the local economy. The recreation opportunities provided by the lake are an important part of the quality of life in the local community.
The recreation opportunities provided by the lake are also important for the environment. The lake provides a habitat for fish and other wildlife. The lake also helps to regulate the flow of the Pigeon River, which reduces flooding downstream. The recreation opportunities provided by the lake are an important part of the local ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bee Tree Dam, North Carolina
Here are some frequently asked questions about Bee Tree Dam, North Carolina:
Question 1: When was Bee Tree Dam built?
Bee Tree Dam was built in 1927.
Question 2: What is the purpose of Bee Tree Dam?
Bee Tree Dam is a hydroelectric dam that generates electricity and provides flood control.
Question 3: How tall is Bee Tree Dam?
Bee Tree Dam is 205 feet tall.
Question 4: How long is Bee Tree Dam?
Bee Tree Dam is 1,120 feet long.
Question 5: What is the capacity of Bee Tree Dam's reservoir?
The capacity of Bee Tree Dam's reservoir is 16,000 acre-feet.
Question 6: What is the capacity of Bee Tree Dam's power plant?
The capacity of Bee Tree Dam's power plant is 40 megawatts.
These are just a few of the frequently asked questions about Bee Tree Dam, North Carolina. For more information, please visit the dam's website or contact the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Bee Tree Dam is an important part of the region's energy infrastructure and flood control system. The dam provides electricity to thousands of homes and businesses, and it helps to protect the region from flooding. Bee Tree Dam is also a popular recreation spot, with opportunities for fishing, boating, and swimming.
Tips for Visiting Bee Tree Dam, North Carolina
Bee Tree Dam is a popular tourist destination, and there are a few things you can do to make your visit more enjoyable.
Tip 1: Plan your visit ahead of time.
The dam is open to the public, but there are some restrictions on when you can visit. Check the dam's website or call ahead to find out the hours of operation.
Tip 2: Bring your camera.
The dam is a beautiful sight, and you'll want to capture the moment with your camera. There are several scenic overlooks where you can get great photos of the dam and the surrounding mountains.
Tip 3: Bring a picnic lunch.
There are several picnic areas near the dam, so you can pack a lunch and enjoy it outdoors. The dam also has a snack bar where you can buy food and drinks.
Tip 4: Be prepared for the weather.
The weather in the mountains can change quickly, so be sure to dress in layers. You may also want to bring a raincoat or umbrella, just in case.
Tip 5: Be respectful of the dam and its surroundings.
The dam is a working hydroelectric facility, so please be respectful of the workers and equipment. Stay on designated trails and do not climb on the dam.
Summary of key takeaways or benefits:
- Planning your visit ahead of time will help you avoid any surprises.
- Bringing your camera will allow you to capture the beauty of the dam and the surrounding mountains.
- Packing a picnic lunch will save you money and allow you to enjoy the outdoors.
- Being prepared for the weather will ensure that you have a comfortable visit.
- Being respectful of the dam and its surroundings will help to keep the area safe and enjoyable for everyone.
Transition to the article's conclusion:
By following these tips, you can make your visit to Bee Tree Dam a safe and enjoyable experience.
Conclusion
Bee Tree Dam is an important part of the region's energy infrastructure and flood control system. The dam provides electricity to thousands of homes and businesses, and it helps to protect the region from flooding. Bee Tree Dam is also a popular recreation spot, with opportunities for fishing, boating, and swimming.
The dam is a reminder of the importance of investing in infrastructure. Infrastructure projects can create jobs, boost the economy, and improve the quality of life for local residents. Governments should make infrastructure a priority, and they should invest in projects that will have a positive impact on the community.
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