Founded in 1881, it was built as a dam to channel water to Lake Montebello and Lake Clifton. As the city grew in population, there was a need for a bigger reservoir.

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In 1908, the city decided to extend the reservoir using a bigger dam. Due to this decision, the small town of Warren with over 900 residents had to be submerged. After legal negotiations, by 1922 the town was evacuated, emptied before being flooded later in early 1923.

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This new expansion now stood now 189 feet taller than before, making the reservoir's new capacity 23 billion gallons.

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Loch Raven Reservoir Dam: Photographed at Loch Raven Reservoir in Maryland. Copyright 2025, Greening Spring Branch​

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Today, Loch Raven Reservoir still exists today, and continues to hydrate most of Baltimore City, and Baltimore County. In addition to its practical uses, it also has been adapted for recreational uses too, including boating, hunting, shooting, fishing, kayaking, hiking, and much more!

 

It also is home to over 1,500 species of plants and animals, due to its well-kept forests and waters making growth possible. Learn more about Loch Raven at www.dnr.maryland.gov.

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Credits

• “Loch Raven Reservoir Cooperative Wildlife Management Area.” Maryland.gov, Maryland Department of Natural Resources, dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife/Pages/publiclands/central/lochraven.aspx. Accessed 31 Dec. 2025.

• “Rumor or Fact? A Town under Loch Raven Reservoir.” Baltimore Magazine, 4 Mar. 2019, www.baltimoremagazine.com/section/community/warren-town-under-loch-raven-reservoir/. Accessed 31 Dec. 2025.

• “Loch Raven Reservoir Maryland’s Hidden Gem.” Baltimore Examiner, 19 Sept. 2024, www.baltimoreexaminer.com/loch-raven-reservoir/. Accessed 31 Dec. 2025.

No information is directly quoted.