Riverton
Riverton was a Tennessee River trading town that went by three different names before being delibera
State: Alabama
County: Colbert County
Founded: 1846
Riverton was a Tennessee River trading town that went by three different names before being deliberately flooded by the TVA's Pickwick Landing Dam in 1938. The town's lock, once considered the highest lift lock in the world, now lies beneath the water along with all the homes, hotels, and stores.
Timeline
- Pre-1846 - Chickasaw Land The area was originally inhabited by the Chickasaw Nation before American settlement.
- 1846-1851 - Port Smith Era Henry D. Smith acquired the land in 1846 and established a settlement called Port Smith at the junction of the Tennessee River and Bear Creek.
- 1851-1890 - Chickasaw Era The town was renamed Chickasaw, honoring the original inhabitants of the region. It grew as an important river trading point.
- 1890 - Becomes Riverton The town was officially renamed Riverton. Its location at the river junction made it crucial for navigation, especially as shoals upstream could strand larger vessels for months.
- Late 1800s - Railroad Connection A railroad branch was established connecting Riverton to the broader rail network, enhancing its role as a transportation hub.
- 1911 - Riverton Lock Opens The Riverton Lock began operation, considered at the time to be the highest lift lock in the world. It was a major engineering achievement.
- 1930s - TVA Arrives The Tennessee Valley Authority began construction of Pickwick Landing Dam. The TVA bought up most of Riverton's land. All hotels, stores, and houses were demolished.
- February 1938 - The Flooding Pickwick Landing Dam was completed, and the waters rose, submerging Riverton and its famous lock. The town ceased to exist on dry land.
Plan Your Visit
Best Time: Any season
Difficulty: Limited - town is underwater
Time Needed: 30 minutes for cemetery
Tips
- The only visible remnant is a cemetery that survived the flooding
- The lower end of the lock wall is occasionally visible above water
- Pickwick Landing Dam and Lake can be visited as a TVA recreation site
- Local historical societies may have photographs of pre-flood Riverton
Quick Facts
- Riverton had three different names in its 92-year existence: Port Smith, Chickasaw, and Riverton
- The Riverton Lock was once considered the highest lift lock in the world
- The TVA deliberately demolished all structures before flooding the area
- The town went by the name 'Chickasaw' for nearly 40 years, honoring the original inhabitants
- Unlike most ghost towns, Riverton wasn't abandoned—it was intentionally drowned
Location
Address: Junction of Tennessee River and Bear Creek (now underwater)
Coordinates: 34.785, -87.925