The Tennessee Lake That Hides a Sad, Dark Secret Beneath Its Surface

Past research into the history of Kentucky Lake led me to the discovery of a submerged town beneath its surface. Eighty years ago, Birmingham, Kentucky, was flooded to create the lake—a practice not uncommon in the early 20th century for purposes of flood control, hydroelectric power, and irrigation.

Dale Hollow Lake

In 1942, the United States government purchased the town of Willow Grove, Tennessee, in order to flood it and create Dale Hollow Dam and Reservoir. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers completed the project in 1943. Dale Hollow Lake straddles the Tennessee-Kentucky border.

Willow Grove

Dale Hollow Lake is a magnificent vacation destination, but it could be and has been very attractive to explorers. Because of how the lake was formed, the "ghosts" of Willow Grove are still present, namely Willow Grove High School, which is still down there and hasn't gone unnoticed by recreational divers. But there's a dark and sad story that accompanies the submersion of the school.

The Body of Eddie Irons

In 1936, Willow Grove High School was built on a hill in which 18-year-old Eddie Irons was buried. The boy had died from a head wound suffered while horseback riding. Instead of transplanting the casket, it was replaced where it had been found. Consequently, that casket is part of the cement foundation of the school's steps. Divers investigating the submerged school recount their adventure and the school's unfortunate history.

Today, Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park, located on the Kentucky side, is a thriving and popular campground. And its main attraction has a very sad story to tell.