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Historic Hales Bar Dam Powerhouse: A Relic of Tennessee River History

Explore the historic Hales Bar Dam Powerhouse, a landmark on the Tennessee River with tours, a distillery, and spooky tales.

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The Hales Bar Dam Powerhouse, located in Guild, Tennessee, is a remnant of the first major dam on the Tennessee River. Completed in 1913, the dam aimed to improve navigation and provide hydroelectric power but was plagued by persistent leaks. Today, the powerhouse stands as a historical landmark, offering tours and housing a distillery.

A brief summary to Historic Hales Bar Dam Powerhouse

Local tips

  • Visit during the golden hour for stunning sunset photographs of the dam.
  • Wear comfortable shoes to explore the extensive grounds around the powerhouse.
  • Check the Dam Whiskey Co. website for tour schedules and special events.
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Getting There

  • Car

    To reach the Historic Hales Bar Dam Powerhouse by car, navigate to 1265 Hales Bar Rd, Guild, TN 37340. From Chattanooga, take I-24 W and merge onto US-27 N. Continue on US-27 N for approximately 27 miles. Take exit 155A to merge onto US-41 N/TN-76 N towards Dunlap. After about 12 miles, turn right onto Hales Bar Rd. Follow Hales Bar Rd until you reach the Historic Hales Bar Dam Powerhouse. Parking is available on-site, but it may be limited.

  • Public Transport

    While public transportation options are limited, the nearest bus service is available from Chattanooga. Take a Greyhound bus to the nearest stop in Dunlap, TN. From Dunlap, arrange for a taxi or rideshare service to cover the remaining 12 miles to the Historic Hales Bar Dam Powerhouse. The taxi fare from Dunlap to Hales Bar Dam is approximately $30, depending on the service. Check bus schedules in advance, as service may be limited.

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Discover more about Historic Hales Bar Dam Powerhouse

The Historic Hales Bar Dam Powerhouse stands as a testament to early 20th-century engineering and the challenges of harnessing the Tennessee River. Constructed between 1905 and 1913, the Hales Bar Dam was the first main-river, multipurpose dam built on the Tennessee River. Conceived by Chattanooga engineer Josephus “Jo” Conn Guild, Sr., the dam aimed to improve navigation and provide hydroelectric power to Chattanooga. Construction of the dam was a massive undertaking, employing over 5,000 workers and requiring the creation of a small village to house them. However, the project was beset by difficulties, including flooding and a problematic limestone foundation that led to persistent leaks. Despite these challenges, the dam was completed in 1913, but the leakage issues continued to plague the structure. In 1939, the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) acquired Hales Bar Dam. After years of struggling with the persistent leaks, the TVA decided to replace the dam with the Nickajack Dam, which was completed in 1967. The Hales Bar Dam was demolished in 1968, leaving only the powerhouse. Today, the Classical Revival-style Hales Bar Dam Powerhouse, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2008, has been repurposed as part of the Hales Bar Marina and Resort. Visitors can take tours of the powerhouse, which also houses Dam Whiskey, a distillery that produces artisanal spirits. The powerhouse is also known for its alleged paranormal activity, with many considering it one of the most haunted places in Tennessee. During the Halloween season, the powerhouse is transformed into a haunted house.

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