Camden County topographic maps

The lake was created by the construction of the 2,543-foot (775 m) long Bagnell Dam by the Union Electric Company of St. Louis, Missouri. The principal engineering firm was Stone and Webster. Construction began August 8, 1929, and was completed in April 1931; the lake reached spillway elevation on May 20, 1931.

Average elevation: 869 ft

Average elevation: 1,086 ft

Average elevation: 705 ft

Average elevation: 741 ft

Average elevation: 876 ft

Average elevation: 997 ft

Average elevation: 738 ft

In 1929 it was announced that the Bagnell Dam would be constructed and the town would be flooded, causing controversy among the city's citizens. Almost all of the buildings were demolished, and the city was moved to a higher elevation, losing its designation as the county seat.

Average elevation: 820 ft