Lake Barkley is, without a doubt, one of Kentucky’s crown jewels. If you want to see a Kentuckian sit a little taller, just mention Lake Barkley. Like UK Basketball, Mammoth Cave, and Kentucky Lake – we’re understandably proud.
Below are some bits and pieces of Lake Barkley trivia that you might not have known.
- Lake Barkley has 57,900 acres of water and 1,004 miles of shoreline.
- Lake Barkley was named for the 35th Vice-President, Alben Barkley.
Prior to the Vice Presidency, Barkley served in the U. S. Senate from Kentucky for over twenty years. Alben Barkley was born in a log cabin near Lowes, Graves County, Kentucky. He worked his way through college as a janitor. After passing the bar, he practiced law in Paducah, Kentucky. - Alben Barkley coined the term “Give ‘em hell, Harry” as President Truman was leaving Washington on his “whistle-stop” train across the country. Barkley was popularly known as “the Veep” thanks to his young grandson, Stephen M. Truitt. Stephen preferred the shortened name to “Mr. Vice President.” When Alben Barkley told the press about his grandson’s phrasing, the newspapers printed it, and the title stuck. Alben Barkley’s successor as vice president, Richard Nixon, declined the nickname, saying that it had been bestowed on Barkley affectionately and, therefore, belonged to him. However, the term didn’t die, and it’s used to this day.
- Construction of Barkley Dam began in 1959 on the Cumberland River.
- Lake Barkley’s Maximum depth is 68 feet.
- Lake Barkley’s Minimum depth is 12 feet.
- Lake Barkley is known for its Stripers as well as its Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass. Other fish in Lake Barkley include Crappie (Black and White), Redear Sunfish, Sauger, Blue Catfish, Channel Catfish, Striped Bass, and White Bass.
For more information about Lake Barkley:
Download Lake Barkley Vacation Guide (PDF)
The Village Between the Lakes (Grand Rivers)
Green Turtle Bay (Resort and Marina on Lake Barkley)
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