Historic and scenic Lake Drummond is bowl-shaped with acid-stained water , due to the organic acids leaching into the water from surrounding swamp and peat soils. The lake pH normally ranges from four to five. This low pH severely limits the species of fish found there; the low nutrient levels limit the fish biomass.
How did Lake Drummond form?
Some postulate that it was created by a large underground peat fire 3,500–6,000 years ago . Native American legends speak of “the fire bird” creating Lake Drummond. Other theories include a meteorite impact and a tectonic shift. Lake Drummond is one of only two natural freshwater lakes in Virginia.
How was Lake Drummond formed?
One possible way Lake Drummond was formed: a natural fire could have burned a “hole” in the peat of the Great Dismal Swamp . ... Such a fire could have carved out a bowl within the peat, creating a hole that developed into Lake Drummond.
Is Lake Drummond man made?
Lake Drummond is one of only two natural freshwater lakes found across the entire state of Virginia.
Are there alligators in Lake Drummond?
Lake Drummond, at 3,100 acres, is the largest natural lake in Virginia. ... Contrary to popular myth, there are no alligators in the lake . In the winter, the lake provides a resting place for thousands of migratory birds including Tundra Swans and Snow Geese.
Why was Lake Drummond created?
One possible way Lake Drummond was formed: a natural fire could have burned a “hole” in the peat of the Great Dismal Swamp . ... Such a fire could have carved out a bowl within the peat, creating a hole that developed into Lake Drummond.
Are there alligators in the Great Dismal Swamp?
In the past, the range of American Alligators extended just up into Virginia, mostly in the area of the Great Dismal Swamp . ... Though they have not returned to Virginia just yet, American Alligators can be found from Florida to North Carolina, just shy of the VA border.
Why is it called Dismal Swamp?
Called “great,” possibly because of its size, it was called “dismal” because that was a common term at the time for a swamp or morass . ... William Byrd II, an 18th century planter, is credited with giving the swamp its name on maps during his 1728 expedition to survey the border line between Virginia and North Carolina.
Why Is Dismal Swamp closed?
Financial losses have led to the Adventure Park at Dismal Swamp being closed for six months of the year, except for private bookings. The state-owned company still hopes to sell or lease the tourist business to a private operator. Spokesman Ken Jeffreys says closing it down is not on the agenda.
Are there bass in Lake Drummond?
Lake Drummond is a lake near Chesapeake. The most popular species caught here are Largemouth bass, Striped bass , and Common carp.
What kind of business did George Washington own at the Dismal Swamp?
In May 1763, George Washington made his first visit to the Swamp and joined with several other prominent Virginians and North Carolinians to form two syndicates known as the Dismal Swamp Land Company and the Adventurers for Draining the Great Dismal Swamp.
Which is bigger Great Dismal Swamp or Lake Drummond?
Some estimates place the size of the original swamp at over one million acres (4,000 km 2 ). Lake Drummond, a 3,100-acre (13 km 2 ) natural lake, is located in the heart of the swamp. The lake, a circular body of water, is one of only two natural lakes in Virginia.
Are there fish in the Dismal Swamp Canal?
About Dismal Swamp Canal
Can you fish in Dismal Swamp Canal? Dismal Swamp Canal is near Chesapeake. The most popular species caught here are Largemouth bass, Black bullhead, and Bluegill . 120 catches are logged on Fishbrain.
Can you camp at Lake Drummond?
If you want to camp near Lake Drummond, within the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, you'll have to paddle to a rustic campsite via the feeder ditch . The campsite has firepits, grills, picnic tables, and screened-in sheds with tables, but you'll have to bring your own drinking water and firewood.
Are there alligators in North Carolina?
American alligators occur naturally in North Carolina , inhabiting bay lakes, rivers, creeks, marshes, swamps and ponds, with local populations distributed in patches along the entire coast. Alligators become less common in coastal NC as you move from south to north.
What famous Virginian explored and surveyed the Dismal Swamp?
The name Great Dismal was given by Colonel William Byrd of Virginia , who surveyed the region in 1728. In 1763 George Washington, as a member of a surveying and engineering company, surveyed the area with a view to canalizing, draining, and reclaiming it.
