Lake Martin | Red Hill Historical Preservation Association

Lake Martin, Alabama

Lake Martin is located in Alabama's Tallapoosa, Elmore, and Coosa counties. It is a 44,000-acre (178 km²) lake with over 750 miles (1,200 km) of wooded shoreline. Lake Martin is a reservoir formed by the construction of Martin Dam on the Tallapoosa River. The Martin Dam powerhouse generates hydroelectric power for the Alabama Power Company. Construction on Martin Dam began in 1923 and was completed in 1926, creating what was, at that time, the largest man-made body of water in the world. Originally known as Cherokee Bluffs for the geological formation upon which it was built, the dam was renamed in 1936 in honor of Thomas Martin, the then-president of Alabama Power Company. Alabama Power and Russell Lands own most of the shoreline (from Wikipedia).

Chimney Rock

Chimney Rock is located on an island of the same name, near the center of the lake area. It is the scene in the summer of many daredevil young folks jumping into the lake from various levels on the rock formation.

Children's Harbor

Children’s Harbor provides children with serious illnesses and their families a place to have fun and relax while receiving no-cost services that make life a bit easier for the whole family.