PARTICIPANTS
IN THE RED RIVER VALLEY DAM CONTROVERSY - CLICK ON PHOTO ICONS FOR LARGER
IMAGES
These figures are not the totality of the Red River Dam issue. Should you have additional information Please Contact us RRS EMAIL
These figures are not the totality of the Red River Dam issue. Should you have additional information Please Contact us RRS EMAIL
Supreme
Court Justice William O. Douglas, 1939-1975, appointed
by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Service on the Court - 36 years
and seven months, most opinions & dissents written, speeches
given, and books authored by any member of the Supreme Court.
by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Service on the Court - 36 years
and seven months, most opinions & dissents written, speeches
given, and books authored by any member of the Supreme Court.
Elvis
J. Stahr, former Secretary of the Army under Kennedy is
named President, National Audubon Society, 1968. Uses contacts
in Congress & U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to kill plans for a
dam and reservoir in Kentucky's splendid Red River Gorge.
named President, National Audubon Society, 1968. Uses contacts
in Congress & U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to kill plans for a
dam and reservoir in Kentucky's splendid Red River Gorge.
US
Secretary of the Interior Stewart Udall, 1961-1969. A known
defender of environmental causes, Secretary Udall sympathized
with the Pro-Gorge contingent. Attempted to sway US Corps Chief
Cassidy to build further downstream. The Chief ignored him.
defender of environmental causes, Secretary Udall sympathized
with the Pro-Gorge contingent. Attempted to sway US Corps Chief
Cassidy to build further downstream. The Chief ignored him.
Lt.
Gen. William F. Cassidy became Chief of Engineers, US
Army Corps of Engineers, 1965. Contended that so long as
Congressional approval and funding had been approved
the Dam Project would move forward. Claimed neutrality.
Army Corps of Engineers, 1965. Contended that so long as
Congressional approval and funding had been approved
the Dam Project would move forward. Claimed neutrality.
Barry Bingham, Jr is a member of the influential Bingham family
which operates The Courier-Journal Newspaper & WHAS television.
Siding against the Dam, they offer support to those attempting to
preserve the Gorge and oppose The Lexington Herald Newspaper.
which operates The Courier-Journal Newspaper & WHAS television.
Siding against the Dam, they offer support to those attempting to
preserve the Gorge and oppose The Lexington Herald Newspaper.
Herndon
Evans, Editor of the Lexington Herald was one of the
strongest advocates of the dam. Later it is discovered he owned
land along the proposed lakeshore that he intended to develop.
Pits The Lexington Herald vs The Courier-Journal on this issue.
strongest advocates of the dam. Later it is discovered he owned
land along the proposed lakeshore that he intended to develop.
Pits The Lexington Herald vs The Courier-Journal on this issue.
Cathleen
Curran Heffernan Douglas is the wife of the Supreme
Court Justice William O. Douglas. She joins her husband on
many hikes to draw attention to potential damage to the
environment by ill-planned human development.
Court Justice William O. Douglas. She joins her husband on
many hikes to draw attention to potential damage to the
environment by ill-planned human development.
United
States Secretary of Agriculture Orville Freeman he served
for 8 years under Presidents Kennedy and Johnson. He was
aware of the situation in Red River Gorge per the decree by the
Scientific Community. Position in either direction is unclear.
for 8 years under Presidents Kennedy and Johnson. He was
aware of the situation in Red River Gorge per the decree by the
Scientific Community. Position in either direction is unclear.
United
States Senator John Sherman Cooper initially supported
construction of the Red River Dam. Then reversed his position
as public opinion and scientific evidence was brought forth.
Held Key positions in US Government necessary to fund Dam.
construction of the Red River Dam. Then reversed his position
as public opinion and scientific evidence was brought forth.
Held Key positions in US Government necessary to fund Dam.
US
Senator Thruston Ballard Morton, unlike Senator Cooper
the Red River Gorge did not fall within his constituency but each
side was amassing important 'figures' in the battle. He resigned
just over one year and a month after Justice Douglas's hike.
the Red River Gorge did not fall within his constituency but each
side was amassing important 'figures' in the battle. He resigned
just over one year and a month after Justice Douglas's hike.
Lexington
Mayor Fred Fugazzi felt Lexington could not survive
a drought like the one in 1930. "I believe in conservation, but
think that conservation of water for future needs is paramount
to any other consideration," Wanted the Dam for water source.
a drought like the one in 1930. "I believe in conservation, but
think that conservation of water for future needs is paramount
to any other consideration," Wanted the Dam for water source.
US
Senator Marlow Webster Cook from Kentucky seceded Senator
Thruston Morton after his resignation. He is recognized for the
Indian Creek Barn campaign message on display: "ELECT COOK
STOP THE DAM". Lost 1974 election to Ky Governor Wendell Ford.
Thruston Morton after his resignation. He is recognized for the
Indian Creek Barn campaign message on display: "ELECT COOK
STOP THE DAM". Lost 1974 election to Ky Governor Wendell Ford.
WLKY
Channel 32 television newsreporter Diane Sawyer. On
her first news assignment alone, forced to carry the necessary
equipment during the Justice Douglas Dam Protest Hike causing
her to fall. Her footage presumably rests in UK Young Library.
her first news assignment alone, forced to carry the necessary
equipment during the Justice Douglas Dam Protest Hike causing
her to fall. Her footage presumably rests in UK Young Library.
James
Kowalsky founding member and Chair of the Ky
Sierra Club. Wrote to Supreme Court Justice William O.
Douglas requesting his aid in Sierra's efforts to stop
construction of the Red River Dam and Reservoir.
Sierra Club. Wrote to Supreme Court Justice William O.
Douglas requesting his aid in Sierra's efforts to stop
construction of the Red River Dam and Reservoir.
Harry
Caudill - Lawyer, Historian, Activist & Legislator
Activist in the effort to save Red River Gorge from construction
of a Dam through speeches and writing. 1963 he published his
best known work NIGHT COMES TO THE CUMBERLANDS.
Activist in the effort to save Red River Gorge from construction
of a Dam through speeches and writing. 1963 he published his
best known work NIGHT COMES TO THE CUMBERLANDS.
Oscar
H. Geralds, Jr founding member of Ky Sierra Club
also hiked with Justice Douglas, even taking his Boy Scout
Troop with him. Active with the Red River Gorge Legal Defense
Fund and the 'Stop the Dam Figurehead' for the past 30+ years.
also hiked with Justice Douglas, even taking his Boy Scout
Troop with him. Active with the Red River Gorge Legal Defense
Fund and the 'Stop the Dam Figurehead' for the past 30+ years.
US
Congressman Bill Gradison from Ohio was helpful to the
Red River Gorge Legal Defense Fund by assisting in the
resolution by the Council of the City of Cincinnati, Ohio
condemning the proposed Dam, May 29, 1975.
Red River Gorge Legal Defense Fund by assisting in the
resolution by the Council of the City of Cincinnati, Ohio
condemning the proposed Dam, May 29, 1975.
Kentucky
Governor Bert T. Combs (last term) 1959-1963
Key force behind the construction of the Mountain Parkway
later named for him. Opened the RRG to more traffic. Tragically
in 1991 Combs was killed by the Floodwaters of the Red River.
Key force behind the construction of the Mountain Parkway
later named for him. Opened the RRG to more traffic. Tragically
in 1991 Combs was killed by the Floodwaters of the Red River.
Kentucky
Governor Edward "Ned" Breathitt 1963 - 1967
In office for the Justice Douglas hike in Red River Gorge.
Drove through the Gorge the same day stopping at the hike
site for less than 10 minutes. Favored the Dam Construction.
In office for the Justice Douglas hike in Red River Gorge.
Drove through the Gorge the same day stopping at the hike
site for less than 10 minutes. Favored the Dam Construction.
Kentucky
Governor Louie B. Nunn 1967-1971 The first proposed
location for the Dam is terminated. Yet the Dam remains 'alive'
moved downstream in an attempt to satisfy Gorge Defenders
and still secure a water supply for the city of Lexington.
location for the Dam is terminated. Yet the Dam remains 'alive'
moved downstream in an attempt to satisfy Gorge Defenders
and still secure a water supply for the city of Lexington.
Kentucky
Governor (later US Senator) Wendell Ford 1971 - 1974
1974, in office during the Dam Protest March on the State Capital
of Frankfort, 1,500 people participated in the demonstration
voicing displeasure over continued talk of building a dam.
1974, in office during the Dam Protest March on the State Capital
of Frankfort, 1,500 people participated in the demonstration
voicing displeasure over continued talk of building a dam.
Kentucky
Governor Julian Carroll, 1974-1979, holds a Press
Conference September 11, 1975 regarding the Red River Dam.
October 1975, Governor Carroll officially removes state support
of the Red River Valley Dam Project.
Conference September 11, 1975 regarding the Red River Dam.
October 1975, Governor Carroll officially removes state support
of the Red River Valley Dam Project.
President
of the United States Richard M. Nixon, 1969-1974
Assisted in the termination of plans to Dam the Red River.
It has been suggested that the Financial Cost of the ongoing
Vietnam War effort influenced President Nixon's decision.
Assisted in the termination of plans to Dam the Red River.
It has been suggested that the Financial Cost of the ongoing
Vietnam War effort influenced President Nixon's decision.
President
of the United States George H.W. Bush surprises many
on January 7, 1993, he moves that the Red River should receive
Wild & Scenic River Status under the 1968 Act. Believed it is due
to the abscence of the US Rep Perkins family who opposed it.
on January 7, 1993, he moves that the Red River should receive
Wild & Scenic River Status under the 1968 Act. Believed it is due
to the abscence of the US Rep Perkins family who opposed it.
President
of the United States Bill Clinton on December 3, 1993
signs into law the entry of 19.4 miles of the Red River to the
National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. Thus the Red River
falls under Federal Protection effectively killing any Dam.
signs into law the entry of 19.4 miles of the Red River to the
National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. Thus the Red River
falls under Federal Protection effectively killing any Dam.
The
Unforeseen Wilderness: Kentucky's Red River Gorge by
Wendell Berry, photographs by Ralph Eugene Meatyard, 1971
Influential Essay with photos of the Red River Gorge which
helped raise awareness to the Dam construction issue.
Wendell Berry, photographs by Ralph Eugene Meatyard, 1971
Influential Essay with photos of the Red River Gorge which
helped raise awareness to the Dam construction issue.
W.R.
(Bill) Holstein founding member & chairmen of the Kentucky
Sierra Club (after James Kowalsky) and was also a member of
the board of directors for the Red River Gorge Legal Defense
Fund. Participant in the Justice Douglas Protest Hike.
Sierra Club (after James Kowalsky) and was also a member of
the board of directors for the Red River Gorge Legal Defense
Fund. Participant in the Justice Douglas Protest Hike.
Robert
Reeves, Counsel for the Red River Gorge Legal Defense
Fund. On occasion of the Senate Sub-Committee on Public Works
Appropriations, appeared in opposition to the US Army Corps
of Engineers plans for a Red River Reservoir.
Fund. On occasion of the Senate Sub-Committee on Public Works
Appropriations, appeared in opposition to the US Army Corps
of Engineers plans for a Red River Reservoir.
Carroll
and Doris Tichenor, founding Ky Sierra Club Members
and participants in the Justice Douglas Protest Hike. Actively
resisted efforts for Construction of both proposed Dam sites
in the Red River Valley. Continued fight in subsequent years.
and participants in the Justice Douglas Protest Hike. Actively
resisted efforts for Construction of both proposed Dam sites
in the Red River Valley. Continued fight in subsequent years.
United
States Army Corps of Engineers the right arm of the
US Government set with the charge of planning, organizing
and constructing at first a Dam for Flood Control then
modified to include the function of a Water Reservoir.
US Government set with the charge of planning, organizing
and constructing at first a Dam for Flood Control then
modified to include the function of a Water Reservoir.
Red
River Valley Flood Control Association (RRVFCA) headed
by President Dwight Pendleton. It was a local organization of
community businessmen, political leaders & others joining
to promote the construction of the Red River Valley Dam.
by President Dwight Pendleton. It was a local organization of
community businessmen, political leaders & others joining
to promote the construction of the Red River Valley Dam.
Col.
James A. Thetford, Former Corps of Engineers Officer, Head
of Kentucky Water Resources Authority. Helped alter the proposed
Dam to add a $3 million, 8 foot elevation to the structure. Holding
millions of extra gallons for Lexington, Frankfort and others.
of Kentucky Water Resources Authority. Helped alter the proposed
Dam to add a $3 million, 8 foot elevation to the structure. Holding
millions of extra gallons for Lexington, Frankfort and others.
Local
Kiwanis are called upon by the Red River Valley
Flood Control Association to aid them in their efforts to
secure the construction of the Dam. They help by raising
public awareness to the benefits of the proposed Dam.
Flood Control Association to aid them in their efforts to
secure the construction of the Dam. They help by raising
public awareness to the benefits of the proposed Dam.
The
local Jaycees are called upon by the Red River Valley
Flood Control Association to aid them in their efforts to
secure the construction of the Dam. They help by raising
public awareness to the benefits of the proposed Dam.
Flood Control Association to aid them in their efforts to
secure the construction of the Dam. They help by raising
public awareness to the benefits of the proposed Dam.
The
Sierra Club of Kentucky, Chair James Kowalsky, quickly formed
in March of 1967 to combat the US Army Corps of Engineers plan to
Dam the Red River. This organization spearheads all others in this
effort and are responsible for the Justice Douglas Protest Hike.
in March of 1967 to combat the US Army Corps of Engineers plan to
Dam the Red River. This organization spearheads all others in this
effort and are responsible for the Justice Douglas Protest Hike.
Save
Our Red River, local organization of residents and others.
1974 brought Civil Action, District Court, Louisville. Seeking an
injunction against the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to stop the
building of the Dam on the Red River.
1974 brought Civil Action, District Court, Louisville. Seeking an
injunction against the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to stop the
building of the Dam on the Red River.
The
Aubudon Society - the mission of the Society is to conserve
and restore natural ecosystems for the benefit of humanity. They
become an ally of The Sierra Club in its fight to prevent the
construction of a Red River Dam.
and restore natural ecosystems for the benefit of humanity. They
become an ally of The Sierra Club in its fight to prevent the
construction of a Red River Dam.
American
Association for the Advancement of Science
12/30/ 1967- appeal to the President to direct the Water Resources
Council to study the advisability of the Red River Dam and to
delay construction until a more thorough study can be made.
12/30/ 1967- appeal to the President to direct the Water Resources
Council to study the advisability of the Red River Dam and to
delay construction until a more thorough study can be made.
Kentucky
Conservation Committee - the political experiences and
connections gained from the Red River Gorge controversy lead
directly to the formation of the Kentucky Conservation Committee.
They continue to battle environmental threats throughout Kentucky.
connections gained from the Red River Gorge controversy lead
directly to the formation of the Kentucky Conservation Committee.
They continue to battle environmental threats throughout Kentucky.
The
United States Senate covering Red River Dam Era
Class 2 Senators
United States Senator John Sherman Cooper
November 7, 1956 - January 3, 1973
United States Senator Walter D. Huddleston
January 3, 1973 - January 3, 1985
United States Senator Mitch McConnell
January 3, 1985 - Present
Class 3 Senators
United State Senator Thruston Ballard Morton
January 3, 1957 - December 16, 1968 (resigned)
United States Senator Marlow Webster Cook
December 17, 1968 - December 27, 1974
United States Senator Wendell Ford
December 28, 1974 - January 3, 1999
Class 2 Senators
United States Senator John Sherman Cooper
November 7, 1956 - January 3, 1973
United States Senator Walter D. Huddleston
January 3, 1973 - January 3, 1985
United States Senator Mitch McConnell
January 3, 1985 - Present
Class 3 Senators
United State Senator Thruston Ballard Morton
January 3, 1957 - December 16, 1968 (resigned)
United States Senator Marlow Webster Cook
December 17, 1968 - December 27, 1974
United States Senator Wendell Ford
December 28, 1974 - January 3, 1999
The
United States House of Representatives 6th District
(Powell County) covering the Dam Era (1953 - 1994)
United States Congressman John C. Watts
April 14, 1951 - September 24, 1971 (died in office)
United States Congressman John B. Breckinridge
January 3, 1973 - January 3, 1979
United States Congressman Larry Hopkins
January 3, 1979 - January 3, 1993
(Powell County) covering the Dam Era (1953 - 1994)
United States Congressman John C. Watts
April 14, 1951 - September 24, 1971 (died in office)
United States Congressman John B. Breckinridge
January 3, 1973 - January 3, 1979
United States Congressman Larry Hopkins
January 3, 1979 - January 3, 1993
United
States Congressman Scotty Baesler
January 3, 1993 - January 3, 1999
