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‘The dam builders vs. the river lovers’
In the late 1950s, the Army Corps of Engineers selected the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River as a desirable site to dam.
Not only would it offer the City of Danville and its residents a recreational lake, which would draw tourism to the area, but the reservoir was also framed as a solution to Danville’s future water supply needs.
After the plans were publicly discussed, a clear division between residents was established — those in favor the dam and those opposed.
Individuals in favor saw the reservoir as the only solution to Danville’s water supply needs and a golden opportunity for the city to flourish.
Those opposed viewed the plan as a flimsy excuse to capitalize on Mother Nature without just cause.
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