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The History of Kaw Lake: From River to Reservoir

Sep 1, 2025

The History of Kaw Lake: From River to Reservoir

Kaw Dam was completed in 1976, and the reservoir began to fill soon after. By 1977, Kaw Lake reached its conservation pool, covering more than 17,000 surface acres with 168 miles of shoreline. At normal levels, the lake stores over 428,000 acre-feet of water.

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The Story of Old Kaw City: A Town Beneath the Waves

Kaw City was founded in 1903 along the banks of the Arkansas River, named in honor of the Kaw (Kanza) Nation. The community grew into a bustling small town, complete with schools, churches, shops, and friendly neighborhoods. Life revolved around agriculture, oil, and the river, which provided both opportunity and hardship through frequent floods.

Wildlife of Kaw Lake: Eagles, Fish, and the Call of the Outdoors

Kaw Lake is more than a reservoir. It’s a thriving ecosystem where bald eagles soar above rippling waters, catfish lurk in the depths, and hunters, anglers, and birders gather to experience the best of Oklahoma’s outdoors. Since its completion in 1976, the lake has grown into one of the region’s premier destinations for wildlife viewing and recreation.

The History of Kaw Lake: From River to Reservoir

Congress authorized the Kaw Lake project through the Flood Control Act of 1962. The goals were threefold: flood control, water supply, and recreation. The site chosen was near Kaw City, a small town founded in 1903 and named for the Kaw (or Kanza) people, who had lived along the river for centuries before removal to Kansas and later Oklahoma.