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Lake Buchanan was built in 1937 with the creation of Buchanan Dam by the Lower Colorado River Authority. Buchanan Dam is over two miles long and is still considered the longest multiple arch dam in the United States. Lake Buchanan and Buchanan Dam were created to provide hydroelectricity to the area and they are still used for that purpose today. The lake was also constructed to store water and help bring an end to flooding problems that regularly plagued the Austin area. Originally called Hamilton Dam and Reservoir, Lake Buchanan’s name was changed in recognition of Texas Congressman James Paul Buchanan who had secured the funding to build the dam and lake.