West Point Lake began filling in 1974, approximately nine years after construction began. Authorized by Congress in 1962, it was the first lake in the South Atlantic Division of the Corps of Engineers to have recreation designated as one of its major purposes. It is part of the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint Waterway system, which runs 260 miles from Columbus to Apalachicola, Florida.

The three generators at dam’s powerhouse produce enough power to serve 24,000 homes annually.

West Point Lake and Dam are credited with many firsts for the Corps of Engineers, including the first use of the slurry trench technique that prevents seepage under the dame and the first use of hydraulically operated tainter gates.

Fast Facts about West Point Lake

At a glance, here are fast facts about West Point Lake:

• 26,000 acres of water
• 525 miles of shoreline
• Created from the Chattahoochee River
• Authorized by Congress in what year: 1962
• Construction began: 1965
• Date opened: 1975
• 2.5 million visitors per year
• 27 parks and recreation areas
• Seven campgrounds with 619 campsites
• Two marinas with gas docks, pump-out station, boat slips, restaurants and boat storage
• Major lake attractions: Callaway Gardens, FD Roosevelt State Park, Pine Mountain
  
  Most Corps of Engineers facilities are handicapped accessible.