The Legends of Reelfoot Lake

Along the northwestern edge of Tennessee sits Reelfoot Lake. The only natural lake in the state, it's a flooded cypress forest that has more in common with the bayous of the deep south than other more open and expansive lakes of the surrounding area. Yet this lake dates back only two centuries and owes its creation to the massive New Madrid earthquakes that rocked the area in 1811-1812 and caused the Mississippi River to temporarily flow backward. Yet according to local legend the cause of those earthly upheavals was more than simply nature. Legend says that the origins of Reelfoot Lake can be traced back to the actions of a Chief of the Chickasaw people who once inhabited the now submerged land.

Want to Listen to Southern Gothic Ad-Free?

Patreon: Ad-Free Episodes, Premium Releases, Bonus Content & More

Southern Gothic Premium on Spotify

Southern Gothic Premium on Apple Podcasts

Into History: History Without Interruption

Connect with Southern Gothic Media:

Website: SouthernGothicMedia.com

Merch Store: https://www.southerngothicmedia.com/merch

Pinterest: @SouthernGothicMedia

Facebook: @SouthernGothicMedia

Instagram: @SouthernGothicMedia

X: @SoGoPodcast

Advertise on this podcast: press@southerngothicmedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices