Varney's Falls Dam Explained

Varney's Falls Dam
Nrhp Type:nrhp
Nocat:yes
Designated Other1:Virginia Landmarks Register
Designated Other1 Date:August 18, 1993[1]
Designated Other1 Number:011-0068
Designated Other1 Num Position:bottom
Coordinates:37.5811°N -79.5972°W
Builder:Scott, Charles
Architecture:Stone lock
Added:October 14, 1993
Refnum:93001127
Nrhp Type2:indcp
Partof Refnum:71000982
Designated Nrhp Type2:August 26, 1971

Varney's Falls Dam is a historic lock and dam structure located on the James River near Gilmore Mills, Botetourt County, Virginia. It was built in 1851, and is a massive limestone structure. The lock chamber measures 100 feet long between gate recesses, 15 feet wide, and approximately 21 feet from the top on the upriver end to ground level. Associated with the lock are the lock and dam abutment structures, the remaining towpaths, canal bed, berm bank, towpath culvert and remnants of a towpath bridge. The dam was destroyed in 1881, and the lock gates removed in 1885.[2]

It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1993. It is part of the James River and Kanawha Canal Historic District.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Virginia Landmarks Register. Virginia Department of Historic Resources. 2013-05-12. https://web.archive.org/web/20130921053819/http://www.dhr.virginia.gov/registers/register_counties_cities.htm. 2013-09-21. dead.
  2. Web site: National Register of Historic Places Inventory/Nomination: Varney's Falls Dam . Dianne Pearce . n.d.. Virginia Department of Historic Resources. and Accompanying photo