Martin Dam

Martin Dam
Industry	Hydroelectric power generation
Founded	1923
Headquarters	Elmore County and Tallapoosa County, United States
Area served	Alabama, United States
Products	Hydroelectric energy, flood mitigation, water resources
Owner	Alabama Power Company
Parent	Alabama Power Company

Martin Dam is a concrete arch-gravity structure situated on the Tallapoosa River in Alabama, approximately southwest of Dadeville. It creates the reservoir known as Lake Martin and was constructed during the 1920s to provide flood mitigation, hydroelectric energy, and water resources. Initially named the Cherokee Bluffs dam, it was later renamed in honor of Thomas Wesley Martin, who served as president of Alabama Power Company throughout its construction. The formation of Lake Martin led to the inundation of the African American settlement of Kowaliga.

The process of acquiring land started in 1916, with dam construction occurring from 1923 until 1926. After significant upstream flooding, the reservoir reached full capacity on April 23, 1928; however, the dam's formal dedication took place in 1936. At that time, Lake Martin held the distinction of being the largest artificial lake globally. The reservoir's creation also submerged the communities of Sousanna and Benson, as well as numerous historically significant Native American locations.

Measuring high and stretching long, the dam crosses both Tallapoosa and Elmore Counties. The power generation facility is located on the Elmore County side. Its spillway incorporates twenty gated overflow sections, each measuring by , capable of discharging . Lake Martin's total storage volume is , extending approximately along the Tallapoosa River. To control flooding, the lake's water level is generally lowered by about every winter season.

Initially, the hydroelectric plant was outfitted with three Francis turbines rated at 45.8 MW, 41 MW, and 40.5 MW respectively. In 1952, a fourth turbine with a capacity of 55.2 MW was installed, increasing the overall generation capacity to 182.5 MW. The facility produces more than 327 million kilowatt-hours annually.

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