|
Located in Rutherford County and nestled among the grandeur of Chimney Rock State Park, Lake Lure majestically rests at the edge of the Piedmont, proudly announcing the Southern Crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the start of Western North Carolina. National Geographic magazine calls Lake Lure "one of the most beautiful man-made lakes in the world". With over 720 acres of crystal clear blue water, pristine beaches, boating, kayaking & canoeing opportunities, and world class trout fishing, its no wonder that Lake Lure is one of North Carolina's most popular vacation destinations.
The town of Lake Lure North Carolina is just as charming a place as the scenery. With over 1,000 permanent residents, Lake Lure North Carolina is a small town, but receives many visitors who enjoy the lake for a vacation getaway. The town of Lake Lure North Carolina is located just East of Asheville and is conveniently close to the Blue Ridge Parkway, Chimney Rock State Park, Biltmore Estate and various other beautiful locations across Western North Carolina.
In 1927, the town of Lake Lure was incorporated. In 1925, construction on the dam was started by the Carolina Mountain Power Company and following completion of the dam on the Broad River in 1926, which created the 720-acre lake around which the town is situated. Dr. Lucius Morse is credited with creating the first plans for the town.
In 1902, Morse and his brothers purchased 400 acres around Chimney Rock (within present-day Chimney Rock Park) for $5,000. They later acquired enough acreage in the area to bring the total to 8000 acres. They then funded the construction of the dam (through a mortgage) which produced the lake after which the town is named.
The plans for development came to a halt in 1929 with the advent of the Great Depression. A mortgage-holder, Stroud & Company of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, foreclosed on the lake and the dam. Stroud owned them and the power the dam generated until 1965, when state-authorized revenue bonds were issued to permit the town to buy the assets from Stroud. To this day, the power plant is still operating and selling power to Duke Power.
|
