This work guides readers from the crest of a large concrete dam into a close account of the reservoir, shoreline, flora, and wildlife, inviting walks along peninsulas and bays. It supplies precise descriptions and measurements of the navigation lock, spillway with multiple gates, long earth embankments, and a powerhouse with three turbines and capacity for another unit. Construction history and project statistics are reported, including quantities of earth moved, concrete poured, and overall cost. The dam is placed within the wider Tennessee River and TVA network of reservoirs and tributaries, with route distances and system diagrams. Nearby plateaus, local landmarks, and Civil War events are sketched to enrich the surrounding landscape.