Lake Hopatcong
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Lake Hopatcong is the largest freshwater body in the U.S. state of New Jersey, approximately 4 sq mi (10.4 sq km) in area. It is located in the mountains of northern New Jersey, north of Netcong along the border between Sussex and Morris counties. In the 18th century, the lake was known as the "Great Pond." A natural body of water, the area of the lake has been enlarged by the damming of the Musconetcong River, its natural outlet, on the southern side of the lake.
Before the arrival of Europeans, the lake was actually two separate lakes and was the site of Lenape inhabitation. In 1750, the first dam was built on the Musconetcong where it empties from the lake, raising the level of the lake by approximately 6 ft (2 m) and joining the two lakes into one. In 1831, a feeder channel was constructed from the lake to supply water to the Morris Canal. The dam on the outlet of the lake has been maintained for flood control.
The lake became a popular resort destination starting in the 1880s, centered around the Bertrand Island Amusement Park, on Bertrand Island, which flourished until the 1930s. The park closed completely in 1983. The lake continues to be a popular recreational destination for the region.
External links
- Lake Hopatcong State Park (http://nynjctbotany.org/njhigh/hopatco.html)
- Lake Hopatcong Historical Museum (http://www.hopatcong.org/museum/)