 The construction of the Douglas Dam and its accompanying reservoir required the purchase of of land, of which were forested and had to be cleared.This project also required the relocation of 525 families and 32 cemeteries, and the rerouting of several miles of roads.Supplies for the construction of the dam were hauled to the site by the Smoky Mountain Railroad, which had constructed a spur line to the site from nearby Sevierville.