Near Guntersville in Marshall County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
How the Dam Works
Photographed by Deborah Spencer, August 2, 2025
1. How the Dam Works Marker
Here's how it works: potential floodwaters that surge downstream on the Tennessee River collect in Lake Guntersville. Then, through carefully controlled releases, the water is gradually sent through the dam. Releasing water through the dam serves another important purpose: generating hydroelectric power. Inside the dam is a tunnel called a penstock. Water surges down this penstock and smashes against the propeller blades of four towering turbines. The tremendous force spins shafts extending from the hydroelectric turbines into two generators, which transform this raw, natural energy into unable hydroelectric power. Finally, high-voltage power lines deliver the electricity to utility companies, who then distribute it to businesses and homes in their service area.
Guntersville Dam and Reservoir
Construction began in 1935 Operation began in 1939 4 units generating at full capacity 124 megawatts This
this page online
Captions
(Photo #1) Hydroelectric turbine
(Photo #2) Inside the penstock
(Photo #3) Generator room
(Photo #4) Switchyard
(Photo #5) The main and auxiliary locks make it possible for both commercial and recreational vessels to pass easily from one reservoir to another.
Cranes are used to help TVA move large and heavy equipment to maintain the dam.
Spillway gates allow TVA to move water through the dam for flood control, navigation and cooling other power plants downstream.
The powerhouse encloses the turbines and generators that produce electricity.
Erected by Tennessee Valley Authority.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1935.
Location. 34° 25.356′ N, 86° 23.705′ W. Marker is near Guntersville, Alabama, in Marshall County. It is on Snow Point Road north of Jackson Rd, on the right when traveling north. It is on Snow Point Road north of Jackson Rd, on the right when traveling
Photographed by Deborah Spencer, August 2, 2025
2. How the Dam Works Marker
Regionally, this marker is in North Alabama. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Deep South, in Appalachia, and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the original Cherokee Nation, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Promoting Your Prosperity (here, next to this marker); Rolling Goods Down the River (here, next to this marker); TVA Goes to War (here, next to this marker); A Mission of Service (here, next to this marker); A Valley of Hardships (here, next to this marker); Guntersville Dam (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Guntersville Dam (approx. 0.4 miles away); Gen. Andrew Jackson's Fort Deposit (approx. 4.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Guntersville.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 9, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 8, 2025, by Deborah Spencer of Huntsville, Alabama. This page has been viewed 95 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 8, 2025, by Deborah Spencer of Huntsville, Alabama. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.
