Discover the Oldest Man-Made Lake in Massachusetts

Known to many as the Lawrence Dam or the Lawrence Great Dam, the Great Stone Dam creates the oldest man-made lake in Massachusetts. This recreation area seems to have no specific name, but rather folks think of it as the lake at Great Stone Dam or the Lawrence Dam recreation reservoir.

Let’s take a look at the history, recreation opportunities, and more at this nearly 200-year-old man-made lake in Massachusetts.

How Old is the Oldest Man-Made Lake in Massachusetts?

On the site of Bodwell’s Falls, the Great Stone Dam came up on the Merrimack River in the area of what is now known as Lawrence, Massachusetts. Between 1845 and 1848, the dam was built, running 900 feet long and 35 feet tall.

Situated in Essex County, Massachusetts, about 25 miles north of Boston and just a few miles from the New Hampshire border at Salem, the dam creates a lovely lake where folks still enjoy recreational activities nearly 200 years later.

History and Reason for the Dam

Two canals receive their water feed from the Great Stone Dam, the North and South, which once peaked at provisions of 13,000 and 2,000 horsepower, respectively. The Essex Company, which built the dam, sold the “mill right” of its water power out, allowing mills of various kinds to open up in the area. Today, the dam still provides power, but via a hydroelectric plant, which was completed in 1981. The plant is owned by Central Rivers Power USA, the parent company of the Essex Company, which still technically owns the dam.

Construction of the Oldest Man-Made Lake in Massachusetts

When the Essex Company decided to build the dam, companies put in bids for its construction. The winners, Gilmore and Carpenter, constructed the dam on September 19, beginning and completing the project exactly three years later on September 19.

Where is the Oldest Man-Made Lake Located on a Map?

The Great Stone Dam was built on the Merrimack River on the site of Bodwell’s Falls, which is located in Lawrence, Massachusetts. The dam is 25 miles north of the city of Boston, 11 miles downstream from Lowell, and 5 miles south of the state of New Hampshire.

What Is There to Do at the Oldest Man-Made Lake in Massachusetts?

The dam creates a large mill lake just above them with plenty of easy access points. Sailing, kayaking, boating, and such water sports are popular on the lake, with a large boat house housing the Greater Lawrence Community Boating Program and water rescue station right there.

Fish numbers are modest, so fishing for white perch, American shad, striped bass, and river herring remain popular, as well. Folks may enjoy picnics, trail walking, and other outdoor activities around the lake any time of the year.