The lake was developed by the United States Army Corps of Engineers in 1969 by impounding the Green River.

[3][4] The US$33.4 million construction cost of the Green River Lake Project was authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1938.

[5] Green River Lake is the largest project in the Louisville District—counting both the land and water acreage (33,793 acres).

In addition to flood protection and recreation, Corps lakes provide immeasurable benefits to the local economy.

Prior records: Under former Mayor Robert L. Miller, Campbellsville developed a water line from Green River Lake to serve the city, the seat of Taylor County.