Dreher Shoals Dam

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The Dreher Shoals Dam (known locally as the "Lake Murray Dam") is actually two dams, one built of earth (finished in 1930), and a backup dam constructed of stone and concrete (finished in 2005). The backup dam was deemed necessary in case of an earthquake. Should the earthen dam have failed the loss of life in Columbia might have approached five figures.

At the outset of construction in 1928 the South Carolina General Assembly passed a resolution naming the dam the Dreher Shoals Dam "in honor and appreciation of the part that the people...who have borne the name of Dreher have played in the history of Lexington County and of the State of South Carolina and to perpetuate the name which has heretofore attached to the Shoals at this point." However, it was not until 2005 that the dam was actually dedicated as such.

Cars can cross the dam using South Carolina Highway 6, and pedestrians and cyclists can use a special path.