Actually the dam was originally planned to form a small water reservoir for the city of Cambridge and surrounding areas. It was in the 1960's that the state, under Ohio Governor James Rhodes, decided to construct a larger dam for a recreational lake. The state then bought enough land from the residents for the construction of the dam and the proposed lake. It was then that Gov Rhodes, who fancied himself as a "big game hunter" wanted a place close to Columbus to take his political backers on hunting trips. The state then used eminate domain to purchase all the surrounding land. Many claim Salt Fork State Park as having 20,000 acres but the actual total is 17,229 acres. By the way, in 2018 the state of Ohio began purchasing land from AEP (American Electric Power) and then created Jesse Owens State Park & Appalachian Hills Wildlife Area which covers 54,525 acres making it Ohio's largest state park and wildlife area.
From what I've learned, the salt well used by native Americans and the early European settlers to Guernsey County was located at the head of the Salt Creek.
Thanks for this video, saltfork is my favorite place
Actually the dam was originally planned to form a small water reservoir for the city of Cambridge and surrounding areas. It was in the 1960's that the state, under Ohio Governor James Rhodes, decided to construct a larger dam for a recreational lake. The state then bought enough land from the residents for the construction of the dam and the proposed lake. It was then that Gov Rhodes, who fancied himself as a "big game hunter" wanted a place close to Columbus to take his political backers on hunting trips. The state then used eminate domain to purchase all the surrounding land. Many claim Salt Fork State Park as having 20,000 acres but the actual total is 17,229 acres. By the way, in 2018 the state of Ohio began purchasing land from AEP (American Electric Power) and then created Jesse Owens State Park & Appalachian Hills Wildlife Area which covers 54,525 acres making it Ohio's largest state park and wildlife area.
thank you for this comment! that helps so much!! i am researching the park for a class discussion
I've been fishing there in the 70s
Anyone know the location of the old salt well that salt fork got its name from?
From what I've learned, the salt well used by native Americans and the early European settlers to Guernsey County was located at the head of the Salt Creek.
Deer hunting in the 70s seen And heard some weird things in the woods
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