Interesting Facts About the Historic Bagnell Dam

The construction of the Bagnell Dam has helped to make the Lake of the Ozarks what it is today. Without our beautiful lake, our area would be much different. We're thankful the dam was built and we all have a fun place to spend time with friends and family. Memories made out on the water are memories that last a lifetime! Our Lake of the Ozarks boat lift company knows how important Bagnell Dam is to our area and we've decided to feature some fun facts about Bagnell Dam in this week's blog!

• Bagnell Dam was originally built to supply power up in St. Louis. Luckily our beautiful lake was made as a byproduct!

• The construction on Bagnell Dam started on August 1929 and was completed in April 1931.

• During construction of Bagnell Dam, the Lake of the Ozarks was referred to as the Osage Reservoir or Lake Osage. 

• Bagnell Dam is classified as a concrete gravity dam. That means that the weight of the structure is enough to overcome the lateral force of the water pressing against it.

• The powerhouse consists of eight water-wheel turbines directly connected to eight electrical generators, plus one smaller station service unit. Originally only 6 of the generators were installed; the other two were added in 1953.

• Bagnell Dam is classified as a concrete gravity dam. That means that the weight of the structure is enough to overcome the lateral force of the water pressing against it.

• The highway deck of the dam is approximately 10 feet above full reservoir.

• In the 1980s, holes were drilled down through the dam and tensioning rods were driven through those holes and into the bedrock below. The dam is actually more solid now than when it was built.

• When the turbines are not in use, each of the openings is sealed by a headgate that measures 27 square feet and weighs 70 tons.

• The generators in the dam were designed to produce a maximum of 21,500 kilowatts each.

Now that you know some of these fun facts about Bagnell Dam, you're ready to put your new knowledge to good use. While the dam has a long history, Summerset Boat Lifts does too! We've been lifting your dreams since 1982. Our family-owned company offers quality boat lifts at the Lake of the Ozarks. We pride ourselves on offering quality lifts and great customer service for our customers! If you want to experience the difference at our Lake of the Ozarks boat lift company, contact us today!

Summerset Boat Lifts

1165 Jeffries Road Osage Beach, MO  65065

573-348-5073

Email:info@summersetboatlifts.com

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