Welcome to Smith Mountain Lake, a shimmering jewel nestled within the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. This 20,600-acre reservoir is not only a haven for outdoor enthusiasts but also a canvas of rich history and transformation that dates back centuries.
Long before the lake’s creation in 1963, this area was home to Native American tribes such as the Tutelo, Monacan, and Cherokee, who thrived here for thousands of years. Evidence of their presence, including arrowheads and artifacts, still occasionally surfaces, whispering stories of a time before European settlers arrived.
The journey toward the creation of Smith Mountain Lake truly began in the early 1900s. Initial ideas to harness the power of the Roanoke River through a dam were proposed in the 1920s, but it wasn’t until the 1950s that serious efforts took shape. Appalachian Power Company, after acquiring the necessary land and rights, began construction on the Smith Mountain Dam in 1960. By 1963, the dam was completed, and the lake reached its normal water level in 1966. This ambitious project not only provided much-needed electricity but also transformed the local economy and landscape.
Before the lake, the area was a patchwork of tobacco farms and rural communities. As water filled the valleys, these lands were forever changed, and with them, the lives of those who called it home. Notably, over 1,100 graves were meticulously relocated to higher ground, ensuring the memories and histories of those who lived here were preserved even as the waters rose.
In the years following its creation, Smith Mountain Lake became a magnet for development and recreation, drawing residents and visitors alike. By the 1980s, upscale residential communities began sprouting along its shores, and today, the lake hosts a vibrant community of around 21,000 residents, along with countless seasonal visitors.
Smith Mountain Lake State Park, opened in 1983, offers a window into this natural wonder, with hiking trails, a sandy beach, and educational programs that highlight the area’s history and ecology. The park, like the lake itself, is a testament to the region’s blend of natural beauty and human ingenuity.
Today, Smith Mountain Lake stands as a pivotal piece of Virginia’s landscape, balancing its roles as a provider of electricity, a sanctuary for wildlife, and a bustling hub of recreation. Whether you’re boating on its vast expanse, fishing for its abundant bass, or simply soaking in the serene views, you’re part of a story that began long before the lake’s waters filled the gap in Smith Mountain.
