Near Westlake Corner in Franklin County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Smith Mountain Lake

Franklin County

By J. J. Prats, June 8, 2017

1. Smith Mountain Lake Franklin County Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

Appalachian Power Company built Smith Mountain and Leesville Dams between 1960 and 1963 to generate hydroelectric energy. West of Smith Mountain Dam, the waters of the Roanoke and Blackwater Rivers formed Smith Mountain Lake, covering 20,600 acres that had primarily been farmland. On 7 March 1966. the lake first reached ‘full pond’ (795 feet above sea level). Forty miles long, the lake features 500 miles of shoreline, of which 275 miles lie in Franklin County. Smith Mountain Lake became a popular recreational destination and gave rise to a thriving residential community. It is the largest lake wholly within Virginia.

Erected 2015 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number KP-20.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Man-Made Features. A significant historical year for this entry is 1966.

Location. 37° 8.641′ N, 79° 40.15′ W. Marker is near Westlake Corner, Virginia, in Franklin County. Marker is at the intersection of Booker T. Washington Highway (Virginia Route 122) and Smith Mountain

By J. J. Prats, June 8, 2017

2. Smith Mountain Lake Franklin County Marker

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Lake, the county line, on the right when traveling south on Booker T. Washington Highway. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Moneta VA 24121, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Booker T. Washington Birthplace (approx. 3.8 miles away); Freed Here, At Last (approx. 3.8 miles away); How Tobacco Farms Used Slavery (approx. 3.8 miles away); Booker T. Washington's Birthplace (approx. 3.8 miles away); Booker T. Washington National Monument (approx. 3.8 miles away); Slavery on the Plantation (approx. 3.8 miles away); Jack-O-Lantern Branch Trail (approx. 3.9 miles away); Carry Me Home (approx. 3.9 miles away).

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker.

Also see . . . Smith Mountain Lake: The Proof is in Franklin County. “Consistently ranked as one of the nation’s top bass lakes by Bassmaster Magazine, Smith Mountain Lake is popular among professional and amateur anglers. Even a novice at the rod and reel will find confidence drawing in trophy bass on a guided fishing tour. But adventure along the water doesn’t stop there. Experience the rush of flyboarding or test your balance with wakeboards, kneeboards or tubes. The lake also offers swimming, boating, camping, hiking and other fun for outdoor aficionados of all ages. Within Franklin County’s lake boundaries, enjoy outdoor activities at Smith Mountain Lake Community Park, family fun

Smith Mountain Lake image. Click for full size.

By J. J. Prats, June 8, 2017

3. Smith Mountain Lake

This view is from Franklin County looking towards the Bedford County shore.

and more at Bridgewater Plaza & Marina, shopping and restaurants at Westlake Towne Center, a host of attractions, specialty shops, art galleries and much more.” (Submitted on June 16, 2017.)

Credits. This page was last revised on June 17, 2017. It was originally submitted on June 16, 2017, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 148 times since then and 2 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 16, 2017, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.