A Curve in the Road: Norris Dam State Park, May 2007 While my parents were visiting us, we planned a picnic lunch at Norris Dam State Park. My dad and I spent some time wandering around the dam taking photos. Norris Dam was the first project of the Tennessee Valley Authority. Construction of Norris Dam began in 1933 and was completed in 1936. The dam project was designed to provide electricity and flood control. The dam itself is 265 feet high and stretches 1,860 feet across the Clinch River. (via Robby Edwards’ Photos)