A Blue Ridge foothills reservoir named for a Duke tobacco tycoon.
Lake James is a 6,812-acre reservoir in the Blue Ridge foothills of Burke and McDowell counties, created between 1916 and 1923 by three earthen dams on the Catawba, Linville, and Paddy's Creek — named for tobacco tycoon James Buchanan Duke and still operated by Duke Energy.
Lake James sits in the Blue Ridge foothills about 50 miles northeast of Asheville, its 6,812 acres created between 1916 and 1923 to power the Catawba River hydroelectric chain — the first and one of the largest reservoirs in that system, still run by Duke Energy. Lake James State Park anchors the public side, with a 700-foot swim beach at Paddy's Creek and two boat ramps; Nebo holds the marina cluster, including Bear Creek Marina's waterfront restaurant and music venue. Marion, the McDowell County seat, covers the grocery run and the hospital.
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