Таллапуса өзені: тарихы, су электр стансалары және рекреациялық аймақтар

There are four hydroelectric dams on the Tallapoosa: Yates, Thurlow, Martin and Harris dams. They are important sources of electricity generation for Alabama Power (a unit of the Southern Company) and recreation for the public.

The Tallapoosa River, especially its lower course, was a major population center of the Creek Indians before the early 19th century. The contemporary name of the river is from the Creek words Talwa posa, which mean "Grandmother Town". The Creek consider the Tallapoosa branch of their tribe to be one of the oldest. Horseshoe Bend National Military Park, a U. S. National Military Park managed by the National Park Service, is located along the banks of the Tallapoosa River just upstream from Lake Martin. It preserves a battle site associated with the Creek War. The river below Thurlow Dam provides a short run of outstanding Class II, III and IV whitewater kayaking. Tallapoosa, Georgia is named for the river, which runs near the town.

The first hydroelectric dam in Alabama was built on the Tallapoosa River in 1902, by Henry C. Jones, an Auburn University electrical engineer, at the site of the current Yates Dam. It was destroyed in the flood of 1919 but rebuilt. The dam then belonged to the Montgomery Light & Water Power Company. In 1928 it was replaced by the Yates Dam. There are four hydroelectric dams on the Tallapoosa River: Yates Dam, Thurlow Dam, Martin Dam, and R. L. Harris Dam. The table below outlines the four impoundments (dams) on the Tallapoosa River from south to north. ImpoundmentDescriptionImagesLake Thurlow (Lower Tallasee Dam)Lake Thurlow was impounded in 1930. Thurlow Dam was built in Tallassee at the site of an early 19th century textile mill. During the Civil War it was converted to operate as a uniform and ammunition plant. The Benjamin Fitzpatrick Bridge spans the river immediately south of Thurlow Dam. Lake Yates (Upper Tallasee Dam)Lake Yates was impounded July 1, 1928 and named for Eugene A. Yates, the Chief Engineer for Alabama Power dam building, who was hired in 1912. The nearest town is Tallassee, Alabama. Alabama Power maintains one public access site here. Lake MartinLake Martin was impounded December 31, 1926 and named for Thomas Martin. He was president of Alabama Power Company from 1920 to 1949, and chief executive officer from 1949 to 1963. The lake impounds 44,000 acres (160 km2) with 700 miles (1000 km) of shoreline. The nearest town is Dadeville, Alabama. Lake Martin is an Alabama Power lake with a 154,200 kilowatt generating capacity. It is a recreational lake with fishing opportunities for largemouth bass, Alabama bass, bluegill and other sunfish, crappie, catfish, striped bass and white bass. Alabama Power maintains eleven public access sites on the lake. Lake R. L. Harris (Lake Wedowee)Lake R. L. Harris Lake was impounded April 20, 1983 and named for Rother L. "Judge" Harris, an Alabama Power director and vice president of electric operations. The lake covers 10,600 acres (43 km2) with 271 miles (436 km) of shoreline. The nearest town is Lineville, Alabama. R. L. Harris is an Alabama Power lake with a 135,000 kilowatt generating capacity. It is a recreational lake with fishing opportunities for largemouth bass, spotted bass, bluegill and other sunfish, crappie, catfish, striped bass, hybrid and white bass. Alabama Power maintains six public access sites on the lake.

The Tallapoosa River's drainage has many significant tributaries which reflected below based on their location within the watershed. Location Tributaries Headwaters to H. L. Harris Dam Little Tallapoosa River H. L. Harris Dam to Martin Dam Emuckfaw Creek, Sandy Creek, Wind Creek, Chikasanoxee Creek, Hillabee Creek Martin Dam to Yates Dam Saugahatchee Creek Yates Dam to Thurlow Dam No Major Tributaries Thurlow Dam to Coosa River Confluence Tumcheehatchee Creek, Chubbehatchee Creek, Cubahatchee Creek, Calabee Creek, Line Creek