Just as Lake Barkley, Kentucky Lake and U.S. 68 cut through Trigg County, so, too, does Land Between the Lakes — right through the heart of more than 2,500 former residents, and their decedents, of Golden Pond.
Even now, 60 years after the massive recreation and energy supplier changed the future of the United States, does a rift somewhat exist — many residents of Trigg, Lyon, and Stewart counties often wondering aloud: “What could have been?”
But officials took another step toward a prolonged, peaceful partnership Saturday afternoon, when a large crowd gathered for a re-dedication of the Golden Pond Overlook — a well-intentioned historical marker and reminder of the past, present and future.
It’s the second such dedication of the site within the last decade, but even then, much has changed. The recent authorization of the LBL Recreation & Heritage Act has been lauded by locals and lobbyists alike, bringing more power and authority to ancestors, better funding for programming and repairs, and more organization of key leadership.
LBL Area Supervisor Jim McCoy brought forth a land acknowledgment, not only for Golden Pond, but all of those displaced through imminent domain — including Native Americans, African Americans and other peoples.
Donnie Holland, one of 10 members for the Overlook Committee, said the history of LBL — good and bad — had to be preserved, because people from all over the United States remain interested in its creation.
As such, Holland urged more heritage sites means better tourism, and better remembrance — especially as the youngest to have memories of the land as it was are now in their mid-to-late 60’s.
Holland also shared some ire of the late Harold Van Morgan, “father of LBL” who once had a road named after him between the rivers.
Former coach, Trigg County Schools superintendent and local historian Jim Wallace unfurled more than 30 minutes of fond Golden Pond memories — clear as the waters he once fished.
Chris Thornock, LBL’s heritage program manager, said the Golden Pond Overlook begat the Fenton Overlook, and that over time, more heritage sites in other counties are on the way — particularly after conversations with the Trigg, Lyon and Stewart County historical societies.
This will include revamped plats for the Model, Twin Lakes and Trail of Tears communities — all of which share important chapters in the region.
Judge-Executive Stan Humphries also confirmed alongside McCoy that a stronger path to the overlook — one better equipped to handle elderly visitors — is also in the works.
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