Wednesday_10-June-2020
As Seen on top of Wolf Creek Dam
Southbound View of Wolf Creek Dam and Lake Cumberland from the North End of the Earthen Dam
Construction began in 1941 and was halted when the Japs bombed Pearl Harbor.
Construction resumed after World War II and was completed in 1951.
My maternal grandfather played a vital role during construction.
Wolf Creek Dam is located at Cumberland River mile 460.9; downstream from here, through Burkesville and Nashville and back into Kentucky through Barkley Dam to dump into the Ohio is 461-miles.
Southbound on US Hwy 127 at Milepoint #2.5(24)[154]
36° 52' 19.97" North Parallel 85° 07' 58.39" West Meridian
773' Above Sea Level
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I will explain the Milepoints so they make more sense.
Milepoint #2.5(24)[154]
The first number, #2.5, means it is 2.5-miles from the Clinton/Russell County Line.
The second number, (24), means it is 24-miles to the Tennessee/Kentucky State Line, disregarding any decimal digits.
The third number, [154], means it is 154-miles to the beginning of US Hwy 127 in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Now you know.
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Atop Wolf Creek Dam looking Downstream across the Hydroelectric Transformer Station
At extreme lower-right of the photo are two men with shovels and a backhoe.
At extreme right-center, the long raceways of the Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery can be seen.
Southbound on US Hwy 127 at Milepoint #1.83(24)[154]
36°52'11.50" North Parallel 85° 8'37.64" West Meridian
773' Above Sea Level
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STOP HERE on RED
In all my years and my many trips back and forth across The Dam, I cannot once remember ever crossing unimpeded; there is always some kind of construction going on and always one lane closed with Stop-and-Go lights.
Southbound on US Hwy 127 at Milepoint #1.79(24)[154]
36°52'10.72" North Parallel 85° 8'40.23" West Meridian
773' Above Sea Level
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Atop Wolf Creek Dam looking down the Cumberland River
No matter which way you go from here, upstream or downstream, the next Cumberland River Crossing is the KY Hwy 90__Cumberland River Bridge.
The KY Hwy 90__Cumberland River Bridge at Bronston at River Mile #508.7 is 47.8-miles upstream; 30.45-miles at 73.73° as the Crow Flies.
The KY Hwy 90__Cumberland River Bridge at Burkesville at River Mile #426.33 is 34.57-miles downstream; 13.74-miles at 243.70° as the Crow Flies.
At extreme lower-right of the photo, you can see two tiny little men fishing.
On the right side of the center opening are more people on that point of rock sticking out in the river.
Southbound on US Hwy 127 at Milepoint #1.65(23)[153]
36°52'8.31" North Parallel 85° 8'48.80" West Meridian
773' Above Sea Level
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Sharp Curve Ahead
Initial plans were to tunnel straight through the rock and come out on the other side, eliminating several dangerous curves and steep grades; I have no idea what changed their minds.
Although it would be cool to have a tunnel, we wouldn't have that beautiful, albeit treacherous, winding climb along the rock bluff where you can see the entire front face of the dam, with several picturesque overlooks along the way.
Southbound on US Hwy 127 at Milepoint #1.6(23)[153]
36°52'7.27" North Parallel 85° 8'52.12" West Meridian
773' Above Sea Level
Photos Taken through the glass of a Moving Vehicle.
Wolf Creek Dam - Russell County - Kentucky
Wednesday_10-June-2020
Edited by BuckSkin - 21 Oct 2026 at 11:22pm
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Pat the Plumber CIL wrote: