One of the first European settlers was Colonel Moses Byxbe, who constructed his home on Alum Creek in 1805.

As a defensive measure during the War of 1812, local residents built four blockhouses in the area, including one on Alum Creek.

The blockhouse, Fort Cheshire, was a 2-story log fortress, constructed so as to provide a place from which to shoot, drop boiling water, and defend against the threat of fire.

The history of Alum Creek is also notable for its connection to the Underground Railroad, by which many slaves found their freedom.

Africa Road, near Alum Creek, is so named because of the nearby settlement of thirty freed slaves from North Carolina.

Construction of the dam was authorized by the United States Congress as part of the Flood Control Act of 1962.