- City:
- Tionesta, PA
- Site Type:
- Dams, Parks and Recreation, Infrastructure and Utilities, Lakes and Ponds
- New Deal Agency:
- Army Corps of Engineers
- Started:
- 1937
- Completed:
- 1940
- Designer:
- James K. Herbert
- Contractor:
- S.J. Groves and Son Company
- Marked:
- Yes
- Site Survival:
- Extant
Description
Tionesta Lake and Dam were created as part of a multi-site flood control program to protect the city of Pittsburgh and Ohio Valley. Work on project began in 1937 on Tionesta Creek near its confluence with the Allegheny River. The earth and stone dam was designed by Lieutenant James K. Herbert of the Army Corps of Engineers and constructed by S.J. Groves and Son Company of Minneapolis, Minnesota. The project cost approximately $7 million and was completed in 1940, with flood control operations beginning in January of 1941. The Army Corps of Engineers estimates that the lake and dam have prevented over $570 million in flood damage since their creation. The site currently serves multiple recreational purposes including camping, boating, fishing, and hiking, as well as its original purpose as a flood control project.
Source notes
“Order is a Mystery.” Warren Times Mirror, 30 October 1937, page 9
“Tionesta Dam Parley Futile.” The Pittsburgh Press, 31 October 1937, page 5
Associated Press “Tionesta Dam Bids Opened.” Warren Times Mirror, 18 December 1937, page 1
Associated Press “Construction of Two Big Dams to be Started.” Harrisburg Telegraph, 8 January 1938, page 1
“Rotarians Hear Discussion on Tionesta Dam.” Warren Times Mirror, 8 March 1938, page 2
International News Service “Tionesta Dam Work to Start.” New Castle News, 23 April 1938, page 1
“Tionesta Dam Will Prevent Ice Gorges, Engineer Declares.” The News-Herald, (Franklin, Pennsylvania) 15 December 1938, page 6
“Tionesta Dam in Operation.” Pittsburgh Post-Gazette , 11 January 1941, page 5
https://www.lrp.usace.army.mil/missions/recreation/lakes/tionesta-lake/
https://www.lrp.usace.army.mil/Portals/72/docs/Recreation/TionestaLakeStats.pdf
Site originally submitted by Andrew Gallentine on July 14, 2023.
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