Beam Suntory removes hazardous Elkhorn Dam behind Jim Beam Distillery

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WTVQ) – A historic dam in Frankfort has run its course.

“I haven’t heard a single person bemoan the passing of the dam” said Richard Taylor, local historian and English professor.

The 100 year old Elkhorn Creek dam…is no more.
The dam located behind the Jim Beam ‘Old Grand Dad’ plant in Frankfort was removed Tuesday after years of being a safety hazard to recreational kayakers, canoer’s and fisherman.

“I’m glad to see it come down, I have friends who are, who seldom kayak that part of the creek because of that dam” said Taylor.

Taylor, a kayaker himself says he was warned before going on the creek about the dangers of the dam.

‘I’ve been on it by kayak and generally we portage when we get there and I think there may even be a message put up by the distillery.”

There have been multiple reports of drowning deaths at the dam…the most recent being 2018.

Taylor says even 20 years ago, his children knew someone who had drowned in that spot.

“Water is absolutely unforgiving and it’s a powerful force”

According to Beam Suntory representative Sara Roston…the dam was built in the 1900’s.

She says it was previously used to take water from the dam for the facilities fire suppression systems, but with a newly installed system…the use of the water was no longer needed.

She added that the dam posed a safety risk to those on the water and by removing it, those hazards would stop, and it would support improvement to water quality and wildlife habitat in the area.

“I know I speak for a lot of fishermen and kayakers and boaters in general who would say they are really grateful the distillery is taking down the dam” said Taylor.