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The purpose of the South Carolina Picture Project is to celebrate the beauty of the Palmetto State while preserving some of its vanishing landscapes.

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Lake Wateree

SC PICTURE PROJECT 2 Comments

SC Picture Project / Kershaw County / Lake Wateree

Lake Wateree is a 13,250-acre lake reaching Kershaw, Fairfield, and Lancaster Counties. In the early twentieth century innovator James Buchanon Duke envisioned a future of hydroelectric power for the state of South Carolina, and in 1920 he saw to the building of the Wateree Hydro Station on the Wateree River. By 1920 the river was dammed to form Lake Wateree, and Duke’s idea became a reality. The lake is owned and maintained by Duke Energy today.

Duke Power Dam, Lake Wateree

Jason Taylor of Winnsboro, 2018 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Though the purpose of the lake is utilitarian, it still provides residents with recreational opportunities. A bird refuge exists with the 242 miles of shoreline, at least five marinas provide access for boating, and Lake Wateree State Park offers visitors pristine camping sites as well as prime fishing spots.

Lake Wateree

Barry Gooch of Port Royal, 2009 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

It is not unusual to see people enjoying an afternoon on the water or even making a day out of the water station itself. Lake Wateree provides water-lovers a place to relax and play, even while the lake itself is hard at work.

Wateree Generating Station

Barry Gooch of Port Royal, 2009 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Reflections on Lake Wateree


Contributor Jo A. Bering shares with us, “My husband and I LOVE Lake Wateree – it is truly a hidden treasure. We often get on our boat go to one of the islands and spend the day playing in the water, fishing, and enjoying the sights and sounds of this beautiful lake. It is our weekly stress relief.”

Lake Wateree Kershaw County

Jo A. Bering of Florence, 2011 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Plan Your Trip:

Where is located?
SC
GPS Coordinates: 34.335072,-80.701760
What else should I see?
Mount Joshua Rosenwald School 7.1 miles
National Steeplechase Museum 9.7 miles
Seaboard Air Line Railway Depot 12 miles
Our Lady of Perpetual Help 12.3 miles
Show me more like this!
  • See other South Carolina Lakes
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    Comments

    1. Clyde McFadden says

      November 29, 2018 at 7:22 AM

      I work at Wateree Dam. It was completed and in commercial operation in October 1919. Not 1920. Thanks, Clyde

      Reply
      • SC Picture Project says

        November 30, 2018 at 2:40 PM

        Thanks Clyde, we have it updated!

        Reply

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    We are a federally-recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to preserve the history of South Carolina’s historic, natural, and cultural landmarks before they are lost to time. This website serves as a permanent digital archive of over 2,300 South Carolina landmarks – and counting. Learn more about our work.

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    ABOUT US

    We are a federally-recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to preserve the history of South Carolina’s historic, natural, and cultural landmarks before they are lost to time. This website serves as a permanent digital archive of over 2,300 South Carolina landmarks – and counting. Learn more about our work.

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