Mark Twain Lake
Encyclopedia
Mark Twain Lake is located in Ralls County, Missouri and Monroe County, Missouri. It was created by the Clarence Cannon Dam impounding the Salt River and is located about twenty miles (32 km) southwest of Hannibal
. It was named for Missouri author Mark Twain
and part of the area around it is Mark Twain State Park
. The village of Florida
is located next to the lake and was the site of Twain's birth.
in the Flood Control Act of October 1962. The Clarence Cannon Dam and Mark Twain Lake offer multiple benefits to Northeast Missouri including: hydroelectricity
, flood Control
, recreation
, fish
and wildlife
conservation
, water supply
(shortage of existing ground water), navigation
.
gravity embankment dam
. The dam contains 450000 cu yd (344,049.7 m³) of concrete and 3000000 cu yd (2,293,664.6 m³) of earth-fill.
The Clarence Cannon Dam contains a hydroelectric power plant, with two generators, capable of producing up to 58 MW of power, or enough to supply a town of 20,000 people. When both units are operating at capacity, as much as 5,400,000 US gallons of water pass through the turbines each minute. A regulation dam, located 9.5 miles (15.3 km) downstream from the main dam, creates a storage pool that can be used for pumped-storage hydroelectricity
. When demand for electricity is low, power from other sources can be used to pump water back from the tailwater to the lake. This water can then be re-cycled through the turbines when energy is in high demand.
was one of the prime influences in the realization of the Cannon Dam Project during his 42 years serving in the U.S. House of Representatives. He was actively engaged in farming in Lincoln County throughout his life and the author of several publications on parliamentary law. Following his death in 1964, the Joanna Dam was officially renamed to honor the man who was a longtime supporter of the project.
Using the pen names "Josh", "Sergeant Fathom," and "Mark Twain," Samuel Langhorne Clemens received the namesake for the lake. Although he traveled and lived in many places, Mark Twain, which literally means "two fathoms deep," often delighted audiences and readers with colorful stories of his native Missouri.
Camping is available in three U.S. Army Corps of Engineers developed recreation areas, at the Mark Twain State Park and in several private recreation areas around the lake. Camping fees and facilities differ in the areas, however most have electric hookups, showers, restrooms, sanitary stations, fire grills, picnic tables and playground equipment. Group camping areas and a number of individual campsites are also available on a reservation basis. Campfire programs are held throughout the summer at outdoor amphitheaters in the campgrounds and give visitors the opportunity to learn more about the natural and cultural history of the area. School, scout and other interested groups may schedule programs upon request. The Corps also assists groups who sponsor bass tournaments, jamborees and other special events at the lake.
With over 18000 acres (72.8 km²) of water, Mark Twain Lake is a suitable location for any type of water recreation. Boaters can use numerous boat ramps located conveniently around the lake as well as two full service marinas. Developed beaches on the lake provide swimming conditions. Angler
s will find catfish, bass, crappie, walleye, bluegill and sunfish. Timber has been left in the upper ends of the lake and in selected coves to improve fish habitat.
Mark Twain Lake also provides recreational opportunities for picnickers, hikers, and hunters. Hikers and backpackers are can use the many miles of trails throughout the lake area. Wildlife blinds, food plots and small ponds enhance a hiker's chance of spotting a deer, bluebird or other wildlife inhabitants of Missouri. For hunters, there are thousands of prime hunting grounds easily accessible from hunter/fisherman parking lots located throughout the area.
Hannibal, Missouri
Hannibal is a city in Marion and Ralls counties in the U.S. state of Missouri. Hannibal is located at the intersection of Interstate 72 and U.S. Routes 24, 36 and 61, approximately northwest of St. Louis. According to the 2010 U.S. Census the population was 17,606...
. It was named for Missouri author Mark Twain
Mark Twain
Samuel Langhorne Clemens , better known by his pen name Mark Twain, was an American author and humorist...
and part of the area around it is Mark Twain State Park
Mark Twain State Park
Mark Twain State Park is a state park in the US state of Missouri consisting of located in Monroe County.- See also:* Mark Twain* Mark Twain Lake* Mark Twain Birthplace State Historic Site* List of Missouri state parks...
. The village of Florida
Florida, Missouri
Florida is a village in Monroe County, Missouri, United States, best known as the birthplace of writer Mark Twain on November 30, 1835. Twain described Florida, his birthplace as a "nearly invisible village". While its maxiumum population reached 280 in 1880, it has steadily declined in its...
is located next to the lake and was the site of Twain's birth.
Authorization and purpose
The Joanna Dam project was first proposed in 1937 as an answer to many years of flooding by the Salt River. With support and expertise of many, including Representative Clarence Cannon, the multi-purpose project was authorized by CongressUnited States Congress
The United States Congress is the bicameral legislature of the federal government of the United States, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Congress meets in the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C....
in the Flood Control Act of October 1962. The Clarence Cannon Dam and Mark Twain Lake offer multiple benefits to Northeast Missouri including: hydroelectricity
Hydroelectricity
Hydroelectricity is the term referring to electricity generated by hydropower; the production of electrical power through the use of the gravitational force of falling or flowing water. It is the most widely used form of renewable energy...
, flood Control
Flood control
In communications, flood control is a feature of many communication protocols designed to prevent overwhelming of a destination receiver. Such controls can be implemented either in software or in hardware, and will often request that the message be resent after the receiver has finished...
, recreation
Recreation
Recreation is an activity of leisure, leisure being discretionary time. The "need to do something for recreation" is an essential element of human biology and psychology. Recreational activities are often done for enjoyment, amusement, or pleasure and are considered to be "fun"...
, fish
Fish
Fish are a paraphyletic group of organisms that consist of all gill-bearing aquatic vertebrate animals that lack limbs with digits. Included in this definition are the living hagfish, lampreys, and cartilaginous and bony fish, as well as various extinct related groups...
and wildlife
Wildlife
Wildlife includes all non-domesticated plants, animals and other organisms. Domesticating wild plant and animal species for human benefit has occurred many times all over the planet, and has a major impact on the environment, both positive and negative....
conservation
Conservation movement
The conservation movement, also known as nature conservation, is a political, environmental and a social movement that seeks to protect natural resources including animal, fungus and plant species as well as their habitat for the future....
, water supply
Water supply
Water supply is the provision of water by public utilities, commercial organisations, community endeavours or by individuals, usually via a system of pumps and pipes...
(shortage of existing ground water), navigation
Navigability
A body of water, such as a river, canal or lake, is navigable if it is deep, wide and slow enough for a vessel to pass. Preferably there are few obstructions such as rocks or trees to avoid. Bridges must have sufficient clearance. High water speed may make a channel unnavigable. Waters may be...
.
Clarence Cannon Dam and power house
Originally known as the Joanna Dam, the Clarence Cannon Dam is a 138 ft (42.1 m) high and 1940 ft (591.3 m) long combination concreteConcrete
Concrete is a composite construction material, composed of cement and other cementitious materials such as fly ash and slag cement, aggregate , water and chemical admixtures.The word concrete comes from the Latin word...
gravity embankment dam
Embankment dam
An embankment dam is a massive artificial water barrier. It is typically created by the emplacement and compaction of a complex semi-plastic mound of various compositions of soil, sand, clay and/or rock. It has a semi-permanent waterproof natural covering for its surface, and a dense, waterproof...
. The dam contains 450000 cu yd (344,049.7 m³) of concrete and 3000000 cu yd (2,293,664.6 m³) of earth-fill.
The Clarence Cannon Dam contains a hydroelectric power plant, with two generators, capable of producing up to 58 MW of power, or enough to supply a town of 20,000 people. When both units are operating at capacity, as much as 5,400,000 US gallons of water pass through the turbines each minute. A regulation dam, located 9.5 miles (15.3 km) downstream from the main dam, creates a storage pool that can be used for pumped-storage hydroelectricity
Pumped-storage hydroelectricity
Pumped-storage hydroelectricity is a type of hydroelectric power generation used by some power plants for load balancing. The method stores energy in the form of water, pumped from a lower elevation reservoir to a higher elevation. Low-cost off-peak electric power is used to run the pumps...
. When demand for electricity is low, power from other sources can be used to pump water back from the tailwater to the lake. This water can then be re-cycled through the turbines when energy is in high demand.
Namesakes
Clarence CannonClarence Cannon
Clarence Andrew Cannon was a Democratic Congressmember from Missouri. He was a notable parliamentarian and chaired the U.S. House Committee on Appropriations.-Biography:...
was one of the prime influences in the realization of the Cannon Dam Project during his 42 years serving in the U.S. House of Representatives. He was actively engaged in farming in Lincoln County throughout his life and the author of several publications on parliamentary law. Following his death in 1964, the Joanna Dam was officially renamed to honor the man who was a longtime supporter of the project.
Using the pen names "Josh", "Sergeant Fathom," and "Mark Twain," Samuel Langhorne Clemens received the namesake for the lake. Although he traveled and lived in many places, Mark Twain, which literally means "two fathoms deep," often delighted audiences and readers with colorful stories of his native Missouri.
Recreation
Clarence Cannon Dam and Mark Twain Lake provide opportunities for outdoor recreation - boating, swimming, fishing, picnicking, hiking and hunting. There are recreation areas equipped with facilities such as campgrounds, beaches, and picnic shelters, as well as areas that are being managed for wildlife habitat. All visitors can enjoy the 54000 acres (218.5 km²) of land and water at Clarence Cannon Dam and Mark Twain Lake.Camping is available in three U.S. Army Corps of Engineers developed recreation areas, at the Mark Twain State Park and in several private recreation areas around the lake. Camping fees and facilities differ in the areas, however most have electric hookups, showers, restrooms, sanitary stations, fire grills, picnic tables and playground equipment. Group camping areas and a number of individual campsites are also available on a reservation basis. Campfire programs are held throughout the summer at outdoor amphitheaters in the campgrounds and give visitors the opportunity to learn more about the natural and cultural history of the area. School, scout and other interested groups may schedule programs upon request. The Corps also assists groups who sponsor bass tournaments, jamborees and other special events at the lake.
With over 18000 acres (72.8 km²) of water, Mark Twain Lake is a suitable location for any type of water recreation. Boaters can use numerous boat ramps located conveniently around the lake as well as two full service marinas. Developed beaches on the lake provide swimming conditions. Angler
Angling
Angling is a method of fishing by means of an "angle" . The hook is usually attached to a fishing line and the line is often attached to a fishing rod. Fishing rods are usually fitted with a fishing reel that functions as a mechanism for storing, retrieving and paying out the line. The hook itself...
s will find catfish, bass, crappie, walleye, bluegill and sunfish. Timber has been left in the upper ends of the lake and in selected coves to improve fish habitat.
Mark Twain Lake also provides recreational opportunities for picnickers, hikers, and hunters. Hikers and backpackers are can use the many miles of trails throughout the lake area. Wildlife blinds, food plots and small ponds enhance a hiker's chance of spotting a deer, bluebird or other wildlife inhabitants of Missouri. For hunters, there are thousands of prime hunting grounds easily accessible from hunter/fisherman parking lots located throughout the area.