Man-made lakes are truly impressive. They’re often indistinguishable from their natural counterparts. The way that man can reshape nature is awe-inspiring, and it’s incredible to look at what was once a forest or plain but is now water. The largest lake in Connecticut is Candlewood Lake. This man-made wonder is now an important recreation area that draws thousands of tourists to the state. It took more than 1,400 workers to turn what was once a small town into a sprawling lake paradise that now provides electricity and entertainment for much of the state.

Candlewood Lake spans 8.4 square miles. The average depth is 40 feet. It's the largest lake within a 60 mile radius of New York City. This is a really big lake!
Shawn Reimerdes/Google Maps
Construction on Candlewood Lake began in 1928. The lake was built by Connecticut Light and Power Company, which used Candlewood for electricity production.
lee scott/Google Maps
This was one of the most impressive feats of engineering in Connecticut history. More than 1,500 men from the U.S. and Canada came in to work on flooding the lake with water from the Housatonic River.
Candlewood Lake Authority/Facebook
Over 4,500 acres of woods were cut down to form the lake. It took about two and a half years for the lake's pumps to finish pumping in water.

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There was a small town here called Jerusalem. Connecticut Light and Power Company had eminent domain rights and purchased land from the families that lived there.
Jonathan Mullen/Google Maps
A few families refused to sell their land. They were relocated and the area was flooded. It's amazing to think that underneath this massive lake lies an entire city.
Shawn Reimerdes/Google Maps
Divers in the area have found old vehicles, farm equipment, and even covered bridges underneath the water.
The lake is a popular recreational area. It's a great spot for boating and swimming.
WestConn/Flickr
Candlewood Lake boasts around 60 miles of shoreline, so there's plenty of beach here to enjoy!
Christina Rodriguez/Google Maps

Have you ever visited this beautiful man-made lake in Connecticut? Share your experiences in the comments!

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Candlewood Lake, Connecticut, USA