William H Harsha Lake Dam

William H. Harsha Lake sits on the East Fork of the Little Miami River, roughly four miles south of Batavia, Ohio. Authorized under the Flood Control Act of 1938, it was designed and built by the Louisville District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which still operates it to reduce flood damages downstream from the dam. Construction began in May 1970, the lake became fully operational in May 1978, and it has prevented more than $87 million in flood damages since. Originally called East Fork Lake because of its location, it was renamed in 1981 to honor retired congressman William H. Harsha. The Visitor Center is a half mile beyond the main dam on Slade Road, with interpretive displays, a scenic overlook and a natural trail; special programs are available to schools and organizations. Hunting, fishing and trapping are permitted in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws, and maps are available at the Corps Office, the State Park Office and District Wildlife offices. Fossil finding is a popular activity in the nearby spillway — pick up a free permit at the Visitor Center first. In 1869 there were two gold mines within what is now the project boundary: one on the north bank near Elk Lick Road, a flume for washing glacial deposits, and a tunnel mine near Twin Bridges Road. Both are now under water. Old Bethel Church, about a mile from Bantam on Park Road #1, was built in 1818 and occupies the site of a log cabin church founded around 1897 by Rev. John Collins. East Fork State Park is roughly three miles southeast of the dam on Bantam Road, with camping, fishing, boating, hunting, picnicking and swimming.