The Roosevelt Dam is listed as the largest masonary dam in the world. Construction of the dam was started in 1903 and was completed in 1911. This structure was the first multipurpose project built by the Bureau of Reclamation. Its unique cyclopean-masonry thick arch design has resulted in its being listed in the National Registry of Historic Places.
In 1971, the American Society of Civil Engineers recognized the site with the National Historic Engineering Landmark Award.
The lake hosts world champion bass fishing tournaments and was named after Theodore Roosevelt, who approved the dam as the first federal reclamation project.
Former President Theodore Roosevelt dedicated the dam named in his honor March 18, 1911. The reservoir contained 526,875 acre feet of water and was at elevation 163.15 on the dam, the day of the 1st dedication.
