Author Mike Holdren penned a book chronicling the historical journey of Herrington Lake in Kentucky, as detailed in Art Lander's Outdoors.
Herrington Lake, Kentucky's first major reservoir, celebrating its centennial anniversary this year, is a testament to the region's engineering prowess and natural beauty. This is the focus of Mike Holdren's new book, "Herrington Lake: Kentucky's Marvel of Architecture, Waterpower & Nature," published by Acclaim Press.
The lake, impounded from the Dix River, extends across Mercer, Garrard, and Boyle counties, and boasts a 92-mile shoreline. The book, extensively researched and concisely written, provides a comprehensive account of the lake's history, making it a compelling read for anyone with an interest in the region's past.
The idea for Herrington Lake was conceived by Lewis Butler Herrington, president of Kentucky Utilities from 1927 through 1933. Herrington envisioned a plan to generate electricity for homes and businesses within a 125-mile radius. The dam, located near Burgin, Kentucky, stands 287 feet high and was built in a deep gorge, a feat of engineering that continues to impress today.
The dam and lake not only serve as a source of hydroelectric power but also support a rich ecosystem and recreational activities. The lake is home to various fish species, including black bass, crappie, rainbow trout, striped bass, and hybrid striped bass, attracting anglers from Kentucky and bordering states.
The early decades of Herrington Lake saw a significant spring white bass run in the upper lake and Dix River. Intense fishing pressure on the lake led to the establishment of daily creel limits on fish species and angler licensing, which later became statewide regulations.
Holdren's book is filled with over 200 original photographs and documents, many of which have never been seen by the public. These images offer a unique glimpse into the lake's history, from its construction to its development as a popular recreational destination.
The book is available for purchase on Amazon, at Joseph Beth Booksellers in Lexington, Barnes & Noble, and directly from the publisher at www.acclaimpress.com. Information about book signing events can be found on www.herringtonlakebook.com.
Profits from book sales at signing events are pledged to the Herrington Lake Conservation League, ensuring that the lake's future is protected for generations to come. For anyone who has visited Herrington Lake, a classic central Kentucky outdoors destination, this book could serve as a great gift.
In summer, Herrington Lake's surface acreage varies between 2,410 to 2,580 acres, with a maximum depth of 249 feet at the dam. The construction of Herrington Lake led to a real estate and tourism boom, resulting in the development of marinas, fishing camps, resorts, restaurants, and hundreds of residential and vacation homes around the lakeshore.
Today, Herrington Lake stands as a symbol of Kentucky’s early 20th-century progress in waterpower technology and regional development, combining engineering achievement with natural and social benefits. Holdren's book provides an insightful look into this history, making it a must-read for anyone interested in Kentucky's past and present.
- Mike Holdren's book, "Herrington Lake: Kentucky's Marvel of Architecture, Waterpower & Nature," extensively delves into the history of the lake, offering a captivating read for those intrigued by the region's past.
- For sports enthusiasts, Herrington Lake offers a variety of fish species, including black bass, crappie, and hybrid striped bass, making it a popular destination for anglers.
- The book, "Herrington Lake: Kentucky's Marvel of Architecture, Waterpower & Nature," features over 200 original photographs and documents, providing a rare look into the lake's history, from its construction to its transformation into a recreational hotspot.
- The lake's infrastructure, including marinas, fishing camps, resorts, and restaurants, dates back to the real estate and tourism boom that followed its construction, making it a prime example of 20th-century progress in waterpower technology and regional development.
- For individuals with an appreciation for Kentucky's natural beauty, outdoor-living, and home-and-garden lifestyle, Holdren's book could serve as an ideal gift, offering an insightful look into the region's past and present.
