1820 Greensboro Rd
Martinsville, Virginia, 24112
(276)-634-2545
drba@danriver.org
http://www.danriver.org
Closed to public

This landmark is a hydroelectric dam which provides energy needs for the City of Martinsville. The dam was constructed in the 1920s and was in operation by 1924. Prior to this dam, the site was the location of a mill dam. Very few communities built hydroelectric plants during this period - most were private.

For industrial and technology buffs, the dam is stone gravity structure, 575 ft long, 32 ft high, and has a 32 ft head. A concrete cap and steel tainter gates control the flow and distribution of water flow. An adjoining concrete and brick powerhouse contains two vertical generating units with capacity of 1300 KW.

Directions:
Martinsville off US-220 just north of SR-685 (Joseph Martin Hwy).

General Location

Specific Location

© 2008 Southern Virginia Tourism Region