A Dam Named Norris

Norris Dam was the first of a series of dams that the Tennessee Valley Authority  built  as part of their mission to improve life for people in the Valley.

During the Great Depression, the rural communities were struggling to survive.  Most of the farming land around Norris Lake had been stripped of topsoil due to farming and logging practices.   Electricity was only available in cities, and jobs were scarce.

The Tennessee Valley Act of 1933 created the TVA and charged the agency to control flooding, improve navigation, and to bring cheap electricity to the people of the Valley.

In this episode, Park Ranger, Joseph Gamble talks about the history of Norris Dam and the co-located, Norris Dam State Park.   

This park is a treasure trove for outdoor lovers with its paddling, camping, historic buildings, and trail system, which includes hiking, mountain biking, and horse trails.

The Tennessee River Valley Stewardship Council, a 501 c3 nonprofit, serves as the steering committee and editorial board for the Geotourism MapGuide website. It is comprised of volunteers from a seven state region. The Council's efforts are made possible through the generous support of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA).

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