Smith Mountain Lake, VA, often called the “Jewel of the Blue Ridge,” is a large man-made lake that spans three Virginia counties; Franklin, Bedford and Pittsylvania. The lake covers 32 square miles with 500 miles of shoreline and has a fascinating history rooted in a desire for power generation. Here’s the story of how it came to be:
The Vision for Power
In the late 1920s, Appalachian Power Company (APCO), a subsidiary of American Electric Power (AEP), began exploring the possibility of damming the Roanoke River at a natural gap in Smith Mountain. The goal was to harness the river’s power to generate hydroelectricity for the growing needs of the region.
Despite the initial vision, the project faced numerous hurdles. The Great Depression and World War II put a halt to many large-scale developments. Additionally, there was local resistance from farmers and landowners who would be displaced by the creation of the lake. Concerns about the environmental impact were also raised.
However, after World War II, the push for private hydroelectric projects gained momentum. In 1953, a Supreme Court decision affirmed the Federal Power Commission’s authority to approve such projects. This paved the way for APCO to move forward with their plans for Smith Mountain.
Construction Begins
In 1960, after years of planning and overcoming legal and logistical challenges, construction on the Smith Mountain Dam finally began. It was a massive undertaking that involved:
Clearing hundreds of thousands of cubic yards of forests.
Pouring an immense amount of concrete – around 175,000 cubic feet – to build the dam.
Constructing a 1,500-foot cable system across the gap to transport materials.
The smaller Leesville Dam, located downstream, was also built as part of the project. This dam would play a crucial role in the pumped-storage system, allowing water to be pumped back into Smith Mountain Lake to be used again for power generation.
The Lake Fills and Landscape Changes
After three years of intense labor, the Smith Mountain Dam was completed in September 1963. The gates were closed, and the waters of the Roanoke and Blackwater Rivers began to fill the basin behind the dam. It took approximately two and a half years for the lake to reach its “full pond” level on March 7, 1966. Heavy snowfall in January 1966 significantly contributed to the filling process.
The creation of Smith Mountain Lake dramatically transformed the landscape of the region. Farmland and small communities were submerged, and residents were relocated. However, the lake also brought new opportunities.
The Smith Mountain Project became a significant source of hydroelectric power for Virginia and surrounding states. Additionally, the vast expanse of water and the newly created shoreline opened up a wealth of recreational opportunities. Boating, fishing, swimming, and other water sports became popular, attracting tourists and new residents to the area.
A Thriving Community
Over the decades, Smith Mountain Lake has evolved into a thriving community. What was once a rural area has become a popular destination for vacationers, retirees, and those seeking a lakeside lifestyle. The lake’s beauty and recreational amenities continue to draw people, making it a vital part of the region’s economy and identity.
Today, Smith Mountain Lake stands as a testament to the ambitious vision of harnessing natural resources for energy while simultaneously creating a beautiful and vibrant recreational area.
