Jordan Lake's modern origin traces to severe Cape Fear River basin flooding in 1945. Congress directed the Corps of Engineers to study the region's water-resource needs, and the project was authorized in 1963 as New Hope Reservoir.
Construction began in 1967. Congress renamed the project B. Everett Jordan Dam and Lake in 1973 to honor the former North Carolina senator.
Impoundment began in September 1981 and the reservoir first reached normal pool in February 1982. Its authorized purposes include flood-damage reduction, water supply, water-quality control, fish and wildlife conservation and recreation.
The modern lake sits in a landscape with thousands of years of human history. USACE archaeology has documented hundreds of historic and prehistoric sites in the New Hope Valley, while today's public lands are managed in partnership with North Carolina agencies for parks, forests, wildlife and recreation.