Lake Carnegie (New Jersey)

Lake Carnegie is a reservoir that is formed from a dam on the Millstone River, in the far northeastern corner of Princeton Township, New Jersey. The Delaware and Raritan Canal and its associated tow path are situated along the eastern shore of the lake. Noted businessman and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie donated money for the construction of the lake, which was donated to Princeton University. In 1990, the Lake Carnegie Historic District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The lake, which is privately owned, is used by the university's rowing team. It is, however, available for public use for activities such as ice skating, fishing, and picnicking. Fish species include Largemouth Bass, Carp, Pickerel, Crappie, Channel Catfish and occasionally a few Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout that make their way into Carnegie Lake from Stony Brook. Years of pollution have led to a dangerous decrease in the lake's safety levels. Efforts to improve the water quality of Carnegie Lake are ongoing.

An aerial view of this lake appears in the opening title sequence of US drama House M.D.

History

While sitting for Butler, Carnegie discussed the many lochs he had built in his native Scotland. Butler relayed the plans he and his teammates had discussed previously to Carnegie, who took an immediate interest in the project. He asked Butler to investigate the potential cost and feasibility of constructing such a lake in Princeton. After working with a New York engineering company, Butler informed Carnegie that the estimated construction costs would be US$118,000.

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Carnegie returned to Princeton the following spring to attend the lake's first regatta. Wilson attempted to secure a second donation from Carnegie, who answered, "I have already given you a lake." Wilson's reported reply was, "We needed bread and you gave us cake." This status indicates that the lake cannot support one or more of its designated uses. The sources of this nonpoint pollution are varied—litter, chemicals (fertilizers and pesticides), automotive waste (oil and gas), and goose droppings have all contributed to the decline in water quality. Unsafe levels of mercury in the lake have led to an advisory on fish consumption.

A number of local volunteer groups have undertaken efforts to improve the quality of water in Lake Carnegie and surrounding waterways. These efforts include litter removal, water sample testing, and educational programs.

References

Category:Geography of Mercer County, New Jersey Category:Geography of Middlesex County, New Jersey Category:Reservoirs in New Jersey Category:National Register of Historic Places in New Jersey Category:Princeton University Category:Rowing venues