05/29/2026
From the Valley Floor!
This striking perspective was captured from the valley floor during the construction of Patoka Lake Dam in the summer of 1976. Looking up, you can see the rising Right Abutment and the prominent structure of the Control Tower taking shape.
Notably, this image was captured during the historic summer of 1976—the very year of the United States Bicentennial! As the nation celebrated 200 years of history, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was hard at work building the future of water management, flood control, and recreation for Southern Indiana.
50 years later, during the year of the nation's 250th celebration, Patoka Lake continues to serve our communities, standing as a testament to the dedication of the teams who built it from the ground up.
• Do you or your family members have memories of Patoka Lake during its construction phase?
• Share your vintage photos or stories in the comments below!