Reelfoot Lake, just east of Tiptonville, TN in western Tennessee, is locally known for its violent earthquake origins, its history surrounded in acts of violence, and its nationwide fame as a hunting and fishing preserve that was frequented by the likes of Davy Crockett and Jim Bowie.
The Lake has a State Park established to give public access, as well as a Fish and Wildlife Preserve that is managed by the U.S. FWS (United States Fish and Wildlife Service).
Formation of Reelfoot Lake: New Madrid Earthquake
The New Madrid Earthquakes of 1811 - 1812, the largest earthquakes in North America east of the Rocky Mountains since the settlement of Europeans, are credited with the formation of Reelfoot Lake in Tennessee. Specifically, according to the USGS (United States Geological Survey), the New Madrid earthquake of February 7, 1812, with a magnitude approximation of 7.7, was responsible for the formation of the lake.
Reelfoot lake is about 10,000 acres (just the lake itself) and is rich with wetlands, cypress groves and wildlife habitats surrounding the lake. The Tennessee lake is actually a flooded forest, with submerged Cypress tree stumps, so the TN State Park rangers warn boaters that speeding, water skiing and jet skiing are not allowed.
Violent History Surrounds Reelfoot Lake
Two violent stories surround the history of Reelfoot Lake, as the locals were very passionate about its resources and its importance in the area. One involves hunters and anglers versus logging interests, while the other story involves controversy about management of the water levels.
In 1908, local vigilantes who called themselves the Night Riders seized control of the shoreline in a land grab for hunting and fishing rights. One of the two lawyers representing the logging interests lost his life after being shot by the Night Riders, prompting State officials to declare Reelfoot Lake and its surrounding Cypress groves as public domain.
In the 1930's, local residents made a failed attempt to blow up a spillway being built to manage the water levels of Reelfoot Lake. The spillway was to regulate water via the Running Reelfoot Bayou where the water runs out of the lake.
Recreational Activities at Reelfoot Lake
Like most state parks, Reelfoot offers camping, boating (limited due to the stumps), hiking, picnicking, and fishing. In addition, visitors should check out the seasonal events that are unique to the State Park:
- Bald eagle and waterfowl tours conducted mid-winter through spring;
- Annual Eagle Festival in February;
- Deep swamp canoe trips;
- Scenic boat tours;
- Round House Reunion featuring 50’s and 60’s music (3rd Sunday in September); and
- Arts and Crafts Festival (first weekend in October).
Birdwatchers love the Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge, noted for its importance as a wintering ground for large concentrations of migratory waterfowl such as mallards and Canada geese. According to the US FWS, as many as 200 bald eagles nest and winter on and around Reelfoot Lake. (U.S. FWS website, accessed 5/31/2011). The Wildlife Refuge has also been designated as an "Important Bird Area" by the American Bird Conservancy.
Due to its proximity to the Mississippi River, Reelfoot State Park closes when excessive flooding occurs. Always call ahead when planning a vacation or day trip out to the State Park or Wildlife Refuge.
Sources and Resources
- Tennessee State Parks on TDEC (Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation) website
- U.S. National Park Service
- History, Wildlife and Habitat information about Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
- United States Geological Survey
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