Wednesday, April 2, 2025

Question: What created Reelfoot Lake?

Answer: Reelfoot Lake, an 18,000-acre natural area in Lake and Obion Counties, was formed by a series of violent New Madrid fault zone earthquakes in the winter of 1811-1812. The lake and surrounding forests attract diverse populations of wintering and breeding waterfowl, including many bald eagles. Recognized as a National Natural Landmark by the U.S. Department of the Interior, Reelfoot is one of fourteen such landmarks in Tennessee, highlighting significant biotic communities and geological features.