It’s easy to look at the beautiful, sparkling waters of Norfork Lake today and not realize that whole communities rest quietly beneath its surface. This is the story of the Norfork Dam’s construction and the towns it submerged.
The Norfork Dam construction was a massive undertaking, beginning with a ceremonial first blast in the spring of 1941. After just three years of hard work, the dam was completed in 1944. At the time, it stood as one of the largest concrete dams in the country.
The decision to build it was rooted in necessity. During the Depression era, the town of Mountain Home was struggling, and the Norfork River often flooded local farmlands. The dam promised a solution: flood control and, crucially, a massive injection of jobs and prosperity for the struggling region.
To create the vast reservoir, several smaller towns and communities had to be sacrificed. Beneath the lake now lie parts of Henderson, Elizabeth, Custer, Hand, Jordan, and Herron.
Approximately 400 residents had to abandon their homes and move to higher ground. It was a difficult transition, and some landowners were heartbroken to lose property for which they were not fully compensated.
Former residents recall that churches, including the one in Hand (which gives its name to Hand Cove today), and a schoolhouse that also served as a church in Herron, were swallowed by the rising waters.
This transition also meant relocating the deceased. Cemeteries in Custer and Herron were carefully moved to form what is now the Custer-Herron Cemetery.
Today, scuba divers occasionally venture into the depths to explore this forgotten world. They report that time and water have taken their toll, leaving behind mostly foundations of the old structures.
However, one site remains a fascinating draw: an old bridge still stands. Divers report that rafters of the bridge are visible, and, intriguingly, an old motorcycle rests upon its structure—a silent artifact marking the moment a life, and a landscape, was submerged forever.
It’s a wonderful place to visit, and remembering its history adds a layer of depth to every ripple you see on Norfork Lake today.
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