User:Paigenbess/Sandbox

Lake Jackson is a dam on the Occoquan River created in 1927 by Charles W. Alpaugh. It is located in Manassas Virginia and is surrounded by 600 homes.

History
The area of land where the lake now resides was once 800 acres of farmland. The area was known for its Moonshine stills and yellow pine timber. In 1927, Charles W. Alpaugh created a dam that was 300 feet long and 25 feet high. It took over two years to create with the aid of local laborers. Once finished with the dam, Mr. Alpaugh sold the rights of the dam to General Electricity. He then built 30 log cabins around the newly made lake to create a summer residence. Up until about 1955, the dam was used as the power source to all of the inhabitants of the surrounding area.

Residential History
Originally created as a summer escape for the wealthy, Lake Jackson has become a year-round residence for many people. It was rumored that in its earlier years, Lake Jackson was a weekend and summer get-away for Washington D.C. officials. Today, residency includes the average lake-lover, families, and everyone in between. Organizations include a neighborhood citizens association, garden clubs, neighborhood watch, a road committee, and the Lake Jackson Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department Auxilary.

About the lake
Lake Jackson stems off of the Occoquan River and is located in Manassas, a city in Prince William County. This Northern Virginian lake is 12 miles long and is surrounded by approximately 800 acres of land.

Wildlife
Wildlife records are created through personal sightings. Birds inhabiting the lake include robins, sperrows, finches, heron, woodpeckers, geese, ducks and hawks. One bald eagle is known to inhabit the area, however, as of January 2010, a resident reported sighting two. Mammalian sightings include: squirrels, foxes, raccoons, possums, beavers, bats, otter, and deer. No frogs have been sighted, but turtles and snakes have been seen. There are many different types of fish including sunfish, crappie, bass, and catfish.

Boatlife
There are very few rules restricting boat life. Any boat size, type and power is allowed but boaters are encouraged to ride to their designated right side. Three ramps accessing the lake are managed by the Citizens Association. Boating and fishing licences are mandatory.