Near Russells Point in Logan County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Indian Lake Spillway
Indian Lake Dam was built 1851-1860 to create a feeder lake, known as the Lewistown Reservoir, for the Miami and Erie Canal. The dam included a 700-foot long concrete ogee weir spillway that discharged water from the lake into the Great Miami River. In 1898, the Ohio General Assembly designated the lake as a public recreation area and renamed it Indian Lake. The lake and dam structure have been owned and operated by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources since the creation of ODNR in 1949.
The spillway was resurfaced and improved in 1959 and major repairs were completed in 1972. Structural problems, however, increased over time. Insufficient water storage-discharge capacity and seepage caused instability at the spillway and along the entire earthen embankment. In early 2017, work began on replacement of the old spillway with a new structure featuring a labyrinth weir design. The project was completed in May 2018. At that time it was the nation’s second largest spillway design of this type.
Erected 2021 by Ohio Department of Natural Resources; Indian Lake Historical Society; Ohio History Connection. (Marker Number 15-46.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Bridges & Viaducts • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Ohio Historical Society / The Ohio History Connection, and the The Miami & Erie Canal series lists.
Location. 40° 28.074′ N, 83° 52.457′ W. Marker is near Russells Point, Ohio, in Logan County. Marker is at the intersection of the Bank Road (Ohio Route 366) and McCalla Road (County Route 94), on the right when traveling west on the Bank Road. The marker stands at the east end of the spillway. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 8200 R 366, Russells Point OH 43348, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Indian Lake State Park (a few steps from this marker); St. Mary of the Woods Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.9 miles away); Rainbow Division Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.9 miles away); Indian Lake Veterans Memorial (approx. one mile away); Sandy Beach Bridge (approx. 1.1 miles away); Sandy Beach and the Big Band Era (approx. 1.1 miles away); Boats of Indian Lake (approx. 1.1 miles away); Interurban Transportation (approx. 1.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Russells Point.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 21, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 8, 2022, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio. This page has been viewed 396 times since then and 139 times this year. Last updated on June 21, 2023, by Grant & Mary Ann Fish of Galloway, Ohio. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 8, 2022, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.