Lake Martin
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Electric utility |
| Founded | 1906 |
| Headquarters | Birmingham , United States |
| Products | Hydroelectric power |
| Owner | Southern Company |
| Website | www |
Lake Martin extends across Tallapoosa, Elmore, and Coosa counties in Alabama, encompassing approximately 44,000 acres (178 km2). This reservoir boasts more than 750 miles (1,200 km) of forested shoreline. It was formed by the erection of Martin Dam on the Tallapoosa River, which facilitates hydroelectric power production for the Alabama Power Company.
The construction of Martin Dam commenced in 1923 and concluded in 1926, resulting in what was at the time the largest artificial lake globally. Initially named after the Cherokee Bluffs geological feature, the dam received its current name in 1936 to honor Thomas Martin, then president of Alabama Power. Ownership of sections of the shoreline is shared between Alabama Power and Russell Lands.
Tourism
As Alabama's third largest lake, Lake Martin serves as a prominent destination for outdoor activities including swimming, boating, water skiing, camping, and golfing. The surrounding area comprises numerous waterfront communities and upscale residences, with nearby municipalities such as Alexander City, Dadeville, Jackson's Gap, and Eclectic.
Lake Martin hosts a variety of annual events like fishing competitions, a Fourth of July fireworks celebration, the Alexander City Jazz Festival held each June, and performances at the Route 63 Lake Martin Amphitheater. Visitors can enjoy attractions such as eagle nesting sites, sandy beaches, dining establishments, campgrounds, and popular islands including Goat Island. Noteworthy landmarks include the Smith Mountain Fire Tower, Kowaliga Bridge, multiple marinas, and Chimney Rock—a distinctive rock formation frequently mistaken for nearby Acapulco Rock. The lake’s deep waters—exceeding in depth at the former Tallapoosa River gorge—draw thousands of boaters annually who partake in cliff diving.
It is important to distinguish Lake Martin from Logan Martin Lake on the Coosa River; these are separate water systems.
Islands on Lake Martin
Several small islands within Lake Martin are favored for recreation and residential use:
- Cemetery Island – A small island containing an old cemetery predating the creation of Martin Dam.
- Chimney Rock Island – Recognized for its chimney-like rock structure.
- Acapulco Rock Island – Located adjacent to Chimney Rock Island and often confused with it.
- Deer Island – Situated near Kowaliga Marina; reachable by land bridge during low water levels; features sandy beaches popular for boat mooring.
- Doctor's Island – Historically served as a fishing camp used by physicians.
- Goat Island – Positioned north of Martin Dam; inhabited by a herd of goats.
- Real Island – Named after "Real Island Road" and a nearby marina; not an actual island.
- Sand Island – The smallest island characterized by sandy shores between Willow Point and Kowaliga Marina; erosion controlled through rock reinforcement.
- Young's Island – Location of a former residence belonging to the Young family; remnants include foundation and historic grave markers.
- Weed Hill Island – Has diminished in size due to erosion; found near Pleasure Point Marina.
- Wood's Island – A larger island connected to the mainland by a land bridge during low water levels; contains hiking trails.
- Wilmarth's Island – The sole inhabited island on Lake Martin.
Tornadoes
On April 27, 2011, an EF4 tornado caused significant destruction at Lake Martin, demolishing numerous valuable residences and commercial properties. The storm moved vehicles over distances exceeding 100 yards and resulted in seven deaths spanning Elmore, Tallapoosa, and Chambers counties. The tornado carved a path extending .
A separate tornado struck the northern region of the lake on January 12, 2023. While it was rated EF3 overall, the damage immediately adjacent to the lake was classified as EF2.
See also
References
7. List of largest lakes of the United States by area.
- "Growing Up: Tales of Life on the Lake", by Bailey Jones
- Schafer, Elizabeth D. Lake Martin: Alabama's Crown Jewel (2002). Charleston, SC: Arcadia
External links
- Articles with short description
- Protected areas of Tallapoosa County, Alabama
- Protected areas of Elmore County, Alabama
- Protected areas of Coosa County, Alabama
- Landmarks in Alabama
- Reservoirs in Alabama
- Properties on the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage
- Dams in Alabama
- Alabama Power dams
- Dams completed in 1926
- Bodies of water of Tallapoosa County, Alabama
- Bodies of water of Elmore County, Alabama
- Bodies of water of Coosa County, Alabama