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.[3]

Varney's Falls Dam
Towpath near the culvert abutment
Varney's Falls Dam is located in Virginia
Varney's Falls Dam
Varney's Falls Dam is located in the United States
Varney's Falls Dam
Location1 mi. E of jct. of VA 608 and VA 609 on the James River, near Gilmore Mills, Virginia
Coordinates37°34′52″N 79°35′50″W / 37.58111°N 79.59722°W / 37.58111; -79.59722
Area61 acres (25 ha)
Built1851 (1851)
Built byScott, Charles
Architectural styleStone lock
Part ofJames River and Kanawha Canal Historic District (ID71000982)
NRHP reference No.93001127[1]
VLR No.011-0068
Significant dates
Added to NRHPOctober 14, 1993
Designated CPAugust 26, 1971
Designated VLRAugust 18, 1993[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.[1]

References

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  1. ^ a b "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. July 9, 2010.
  2. ^ "Virginia Landmarks Register". Virginia Department of Historic Resources. Archived from the original on September 21, 2013. Retrieved May 12, 2013.
  3. ^ Dianne Pearce (n.d.). "National Register of Historic Places Inventory/Nomination: Varney's Falls Dam" (PDF). Virginia Department of Historic Resources. and Accompanying photo