Old Hickory Dam
Old Hickory Dam is an earth dam located in Hardeman County, Tennessee, built in 1976. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Old Hickory Dam
Old Hickory Dam is a dam in Hardeman, Tennessee. The dam is owned by Candlewood Lakes P.o.a. (private). It impounds the Spring Creek near Bolivar.
The dam stands 23 feet tall and stretches 630 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 28 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 373 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 0 square miles. Completed in 1976, the structure is 50 years old.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 11/24/2025.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The Tennessee dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Tennessee |
| County | Hardeman |
| Nearest City | Bolivar |
| River/Stream | Spring Creek |
| Coordinates | 35.04194, -89.02694 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 23 ft |
| Dam Length | 630 ft |
| Year Completed | 1976 (50 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 373 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 373 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 153 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 28 acres |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Owner | Candlewood Lakes P.o.a. |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 11/24/2025 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | TN06926 |
| Federal ID | TN06926 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |