Both the lake and the dam are named for Vice President Alben Barkley, a Kentucky native.

The water level begins dropping gradually on July 1, and winter pool (354 ft; 108 m) is reached by December 1.

The Illinois Central Railroad was also relocated; the former alignment can still be seen under water from low flying planes above.

The State Park lodges were opened to house area residents whose homes were destroyed.

The state is using electo-shock fishing and sonic devices and hope to remove 5 million pounds of the species a year [4]