History

Perry Lake was dedicated August 15, 1970 with Mr. George Stafford, Chairman of the Interstate Commerce commission, being the keynote speaker. Kansas Governor Robert Docking, Lt. General F.J. Clarke, Chief of Engineers and Former Kansas Senator Frank Carlson also attended the dedication.

The construction of Perry Dam and Reservoir was authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1954 (Public law 83-780). Construction of the day and embankment began in March 16, 1964. Perry was placed in operation on January 15, 1969 and Multipurpose Pool was initially reached on June 3, 1970.

Perry Lake celebrated its Twenty-fifth Anniversary in 1995.

Jefferson County was one of the first areas settled in the State of Kansas, and its past is steeped in history.

The first settlement in the State of Kansas was that of Major Daniel Morgan Boone, the third son of Kentucky pioneer Daniel Boone. This site is now located in Jefferson County. Major Boone and his wife, Sarah, helped establish the Kaw Agency (1827) located on the north bank of the Kansas Rive, about 5 miles southeast of the City of Perry. A son, born in 1828, is believed to be the first white child born in the State of Kansas.

The city of Perry was surveyed and platted by the Kansas Pacific Railroad Company in 1865.

The Perry Dam and a large portion of the lake itself are located on the old Delaware Indian Reservation.

The route of the Old Ft. Riley- Ft. Leavenworth Military road crosses the lake near Old Town Park.