Look at the Past: Tappan Dam: historical landmark built in 1936

This is the area where the Tappan Dam is located. One can see how narrow and deep the Tappan Valley was. The road is US 250 and SR 36 that is winding its way through the valley. Folks called it the Philadelphia Road and it was the connecting road from New Philadelphia and Cadiz. After road improvements in 1836 (the road was prone to flooding), the town of Tappan, originally known as Franklin, was recorded at the Harrison County Recorder’s office March 7, 1837, and was located in the area between the roadside rest and the boat dock today.

The Laceyville House was built of brick and stone in 1842, and was a stagecoach stop. John Lacey had the mail route from Wheeling to Wooster and thought this was a good place for his passengers on the stagecoach to sleep and eat. Laceyville was located where the causeway is today.

Groundbreaking for the dam was Jan. 3, 1935. The dam was completed Oct. 25, 1936. It took until 1947 to bring it to today’s levels. Utilities, roads and people had to be relocated.

The white barn that stands out in this picture is about ready to fall down. It is just to the right as you go toward Dennison after one passes the dam. During the ice age, this area was a lake. That lake left sediment that made this a perfect spot to build a dam. This lake will be bringing lots of visitors to Harrison County again this summer. Watch out for them as you travel this road.