“World's Most Complete Neighborpedia”
Explore:   What's happening in your neck of the woods?

The Smith Mountain Dam - Where It All Began

If you’ve only recently become aware of amazing Smith Mountain Lake, just knowing of its substantial size, gorgeous landscape, recreational attraction, and impressive real estate growth probably makes you curious about its history. How did such a place develop? How old is the lake? Where can you go to learn more about its establishment?

To go back to the beginning, you have to become familiar with the Smith Mountain Dam, built by local power company Appalachian Power Company (now American Electric Power). The power company built the concrete dam in the Roanoke River between 1960 and 1963 in order to establish a source of hydroelectricity. The project was fully completed in 1966, creating Smith Mountain Lake.

When visiting Smith Mountain Lake, we encourage you to check out the Smith Mountain Dam located in Pittsylvania County. At the dam is a visitor’s center where you can learn all about the dam’s history, construction and function.

Posted Wednesday Jan 19