How long is the Dreher Shoals Dam?

The dam stretches 1.5 miles long.

What was the original capacity of Lake Murray?

It became the largest power reservoir on the planet at its inception.

What is the capacity of Lake Murray at full?

It holds about 763 billion gallons of water.

What significant project was built to enhance the dam's security in 2005?

A backup dam was built to enhance structural security against potential seismic activities.

October 24, 2025

Dreher Shoals Dam Recognized as National Historic Landmark

Columbia, South Carolina, October 24, 2025

News Summary

The Dreher Shoals Dam, also known as Lake Murray Dam, was honored with the National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark designation by the ASCE. This recognition coincides with the dam’s centennial celebrations and acknowledges its engineering significance and historical contributions to South Carolina’s energy landscape. Built between 1925 and 1930, it once held the title of the largest earthen dam in the world. The event highlighted the dam’s continued importance in promoting public health and safety while serving as a training platform for future engineers.

Dreher Shoals Dam Celebrated as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark

The city of Columbia, South Carolina, witnessed a significant milestone on October 22, 2025, as the Dreher Shoals Dam, also known as the Lake Murray Dam, was officially recognized as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). This prestigious designation marks the dam’s centennial celebration, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of the acquisition of the land for the dam in 1925.

The recognition event featured a ceremony attended by leaders from Dominion Energy, the company responsible for the dam, along with ASCE officials who played key roles in the designation process. This acknowledgment not only highlights the dam’s engineering accomplishments but also its historical significance within the state and the nation.

Engineering Feats and Historical Context

Constructed between 1925 and 1930, the Dreher Shoals Dam was the largest earthen dam in the world at the time of its completion. Stretching an impressive 1.5 miles long and rising 210 feet high, the dam was a groundbreaking project in civil engineering. Its construction led to the creation of Lake Murray, which was the largest power reservoir on the planet when it was built. Today, Lake Murray covers approximately 50,000 acres, has 650 miles of shoreline, and holds around 763 billion gallons of water at full capacity.

To ensure the structure’s security against potential seismic activities, a backup dam was built in 2005. In July of the same year, the ASCE Board of Directors voted to grant the dam its landmark status, making it the second structure in South Carolina to achieve this prestigious recognition.

The Role in South Carolina’s Energy Landscape

The Dreher Shoals Dam has played a critical role in transforming energy needs for South Carolina. It was the first large dam construction project in the Southeastern United States and has contributed significantly to electrifying much of central South Carolina. Additionally, the dam has served as a training platform for new generations of civil engineers from institutions such as The Citadel and the University of South Carolina.

During the construction, the project encountered challenges due to two hurricanes that delayed its completion. Despite these setbacks, the dam was completed and continues to provide significant benefits to the region and its residents today.

Continued Importance

The ASCE emphasized that the dam’s recognition as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark underscores its protection of public health and safety while enhancing the quality of life in local communities. Furthermore, the dam is among approximately 350 projects worldwide that share this recognition, highlighting its unique engineering creativity and historical importance.

In conclusion, the designation of the Dreher Shoals Dam represents a remarkable achievement in the field of civil engineering and a testament to the enduring legacy and dedication of the workers who contributed to its construction. As South Carolina celebrates this landmark, the dam stands as a proud symbol of progress and innovation in engineering history.

FAQ

What is the Dreher Shoals Dam also known as?: Also known as the Lake Murray Dam.
Who recognized the Dreher Shoals Dam as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark?: The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE).
When was the recognition event for the Dreher Shoals Dam held?: On October 22, 2025.
How long is the Dreher Shoals Dam?: The dam stretches 1.5 miles long.
How high is the Dreher Shoals Dam?: The dam rises 210 feet high.
What body of water was created by the construction of the Dreher Shoals Dam?: Lake Murray.
What was the original capacity of Lake Murray?: It became the largest power reservoir on the planet at its inception.
What is the capacity of Lake Murray at full?: It holds about 763 billion gallons of water.
What significant project was built to enhance the dam’s security in 2005?: A backup dam was built to enhance structural security against potential seismic activities.
How many projects worldwide share the ASCE landmark recognition?: Around 350 projects worldwide.

Key Features of Dreher Shoals Dam

Feature	Description
Name	Dreher Shoals Dam (Lake Murray Dam)
Recognition	National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark
Length	1.5 miles
Height	210 feet
Lake Area	50,000 acres
Shoreline	650 miles
Water Capacity	763 billion gallons at full
Historical Significance	First large dam construction project in Southeastern U.S.
Backup Project	Backup dam built in 2005

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Lexington County Tornado Causes Damage Amid Other Tragic Incidents
20 People Struck by Lightning at Dominion Beach Park
Severe Weather Causes Widespread Power Outages in South Carolina
Lexington Reschedules Dining on the Dam Event
Lightning Strike Injures Twenty Swimmers at Lake Murray
Lightning Strike Injures 20 at Dominion Beach Park
New La Fogata Restaurant to Open in Lake Murray Area
Columbia, SC Kicks Off Summer with Weekend Events
Inclement Weather Cancels Dining on the Dam Event

Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER

The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.

ADD MORE INFORMATION OR CONTRIBUTE TO OUR ARTICLE CLICK HERE!

STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER

Stay Connected

More Updates

Winter morning in Lexington SC with clear skies

Would You Like To Add Your Business?

Submit