Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area
Abstract
The Land Between the Lakes (LBL), located in Southwestern Kentucky and continuing into Tennessee, is a unique geographical area. The 40-mile stretch of land was originally bordered by two rivers. Due to the isolation by the rivers that bordered these lands, there is an interesting history and diverse ecology for this region that is like no other. In the mid-20th century, dams were built on each of the rivers, and the “Land between the Rivers” is now known as the “Land Between the Lakes”. The dams brought electricity to the area and changed the way of life for the people who had settled here. Management of the LBL was first overseen by the Tennessee Valley Authority. During the John F. Kennedy administration, the United States Congress designated the LBL a National Recreation Area. This designation was done to preserve this unique geographical area in a natural state for recreation, education, and future generations. At the turn of the century, management of the LBL was transferred to the United States Forest Service. This literature review will focus on the prehistoric, historic, current, and future uses of this important National Recreation Area.
Year Manuscript Completed
Winter 2025
Senior Project Advisor
Heather Roy
Degree Awarded
Bachelor of Integrated Studies Degree
Field of Study
Natural Sciences
Document Type
Thesis
Recommended Citation
Coleman, Casey J., "Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area" (2025). Integrated Studies. 708.
https://digitalcommons.murraystate.edu/bis437/708