Lake Tahoma

Lake Tahoma was established in 1924 by a consortium of regional investors interested in property development. It is situated between Mount Mitchell and the town of Marion. Buck Creek and Little Buck Creek provide the lake with its water, and it was once referred to be a "recreational site of extraordinary attractiveness." Overlooking the lake, a stone structure known as the "casino" was constructed so that summer guests might enjoy dancing to orchestra music played by local and regional ensembles or watching speedboat competitions. Electricity was produced at a power plant and sold to the National Utilities Company, which provides power to the town of Marion.

Cleveland, Ohio resident R. M. Mead and a group of colleagues bought the lake in 1929 with plans to upgrade the casino, construct a hotel, add a golf course, and turn the area into a "sportsman's paradise." The Lake Development Corporation's officers were local citizens, and Mead served as the company's president. However, the Great Depression effectively put an end to the endeavor. Investors lost money, and the hotel along its shores was left unfinished. Duke made the purchase of the power plant. Since A. M. Kinstler was one of the initial investors, the property was sold at foreclosure and joined the Kinstler estate.

Today, privately owned Lake Tahoma and the surrounding land are managed and maintained by a homeowner's association.

Location: between Mount Mitchell and the town of Marion