Lake James was built over a seven-year period beginning in 1916, and is named for James B. Duke, one of the founders of Duke Power.
Lake James required the construction of three dams: The Paddy Creek, Catawba and Linville dams. The Paddy Creek Dam is 165 feet high and 1,610 feet long. The Catawba Dam is 150 feet high and 3,155 feet long. The Linville Dam is 160 feet high and 1,325 feet long..
McDowell County and Burke County divide the lake almost equally. Lake James Point is in McDowell County. Lake James has a surface area of approximately 6,812 acres, with 150 miles of shoreline. Full pond elevation is 1,200 feet.
For further information go to Duke Power.