For generations, the Des Moines river was known as a waterway that often overflowed its banks. There were major floods in the 1850s, early 1900s, in the 1940s, and finally in 1954 before Iowa’s government decided to step in. Thanks to the Flood Control Acts of the late 1930s and early 1940s, engineers studied the river basin and chose sites for a flood control project. Eventually, the area around Red Rock was decided on, and plans went into motion to solve the flooding problem along the Des Moines River all the way out to the Mississippi. Unfortunately, the dam’s construction sealed the fate of six lost towns in Iowa.
Construction of the Red Rock Dam started in 1960, and it was nearly a decade before it was done. In 1969, this feat of modern engineering was completed.
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Today, the lake that was created by the dam is the largest lake in Iowa. Lake Red Rock is a spot where many families go to boat, fish, and hike.
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Not many people realize, though, that as they’re paddling around the lake, they’re paddling over six lost towns that were submerged during the dam project.
Marion County, Iowa
The six towns that lie beneath Lake Red Rock include Red Rock, Cordova, Dunreath, Rousseau, Fifield, and Coalport.
Marion County, Iowa
Each of these towns had been heavily damaged by floodwaters prior to the dam construction, and it was decided that buying them out and flooding them over would be the best bet.
Marion County, Iowa
These towns had been historic little communities, and it was a tragedy to lose the stores, houses, and schools that made up these charming towns. However, many agreed that it was for the greater good.
Marion County, Iowa
The Red Rock Dam was an important part of flood control efforts in the Des Moines area. Next time you visit this landmark lake, though, take time to pay respects to the communities that disappeared so that this man-made lake could come to life.
Marion County, Iowa
You can catch an amazing view of the lake from the top of Cordova Tower nearby. It’s one of the tallest observation towers in the Midwest.
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You can read more about the history of the lost towns in Iowa beneath Lake Red Rock in this brochure about the Red Rock Dam project. Next time you visit the park, look out on the lake and imagine a world where there were bustling communities instead of endless water.
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Marion County, Iowa
Flickr / Slappy the Seal
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Address: Lake Red Rock, Iowa, USA
