![]() Not only did it expand the hydroelectric power capacity in the Housatonic region, but Candlewood Lake also provided an economic stimulus for the surrounding communities. Sixty-one miles of shoreline with numerous coves and islands form what is now known as Candlewood Lake. Once established, the Rocky River power project became a roaring success. Scuba divers can explore a submerged village named Jerusalem which existed before the lake was created, including underwater roads, a Model T, and the wreckage of a small plane that later crashed into the lake. Candlewood Lake Cabin, CTĬandlewood Lake is around 40 feet deep in most places, with some deeper areas that are 80 feet. These strips were known as candle wood, and the logs used to make the strips were plentiful on the mountain that now surrounds the lake. Candlewood Lake SceneryĬandlewood Mountain was named by the early settlers in the region who learned from the Indians how to make Indian candles by splitting dry pine logs into narrow 8-inch strips which burned like torches and were used in place of wax candles. Candlewood Lake, Island in the distanceīecause the lake is within the border of five towns, the lake’s name was adopted to avoid naming the lake after any one of the adjoining towns. View of Candlewood Lake from Aqua VistaĪlthough it was almost called Lake Danbury, the new body of water ultimately got its name from New Milford’s Candlewood Mountain – which was named after the Candlewood tree, whose branches were sometimes used as candles by early settlers. Bathing Beach at Candlewood LakeĬandlewood Lake has approximately 60 miles of shoreline lined with resorts, golf courses, beaches, and marinas. Bathing Beach, Wildman’s LandingĬandlewood Lake immediately became a popular tourist destination, and today is Connecticut’s most popular recreational lake, with droves of tourists visiting during the summer months to swim, fish, boat, and golf. When the hydroelectric plant went into operation in 1928, it was the only plant of its kind outside of Switzerland. The lake works like a large battery, storing water during periods of low electrical demand and letting water flow downhill to create hydroelectric power when demand is high. Boating on Candlewood Lake, CTĬandlewood Lake powers a hydroelectric dam using water from the Housatonic River. The Housatonic river was used to flood the valley beginning on February 25, 1928, and was finished on September 29, 1928, when it reached an elevation of 429 feet above sea level. ![]() In July 1926, 1,400 men began clearing 4,500 acres of woods on the land which is now Candlewood Lake. ![]() The following images show Candlewood Lake as it looked in the 1940’s and 1950’s. Candlewood Lake is a manmade lake located in Connecticut that is is bordered by five towns: Brookfield, Danbury, New Fairfield, New Milford, and Sherman.
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