Industry Evolution on the Broad River

Industry Evolution on the Broad River. From Henderson Island to the Fairfield Pumped Storage Facility. , 1700s , Settlement , 1730 – Governor Robert Johnson encourages settlement of the backcountry , 1745 – The Lyles family, some of the earliest settlers in the area, purchased land along both sides of the Broad River near Beaver Creek , (caption) John Rogers Lyles, 1750s , Early Development , 1757-1764 – Cherokee raids drove settlers away from their homes. Ephraim Lyles was killed at his home by Cherokee Indians or Tories. , 1750-1785 – Lyles Ford was established to provide a river crossing. Arromanus Lyles constructed a canal near the ford to provide access around the shoals. , 1788 – The “company for opening the navigation of the Broad and Pacolet Rivers” was established. , 1790s – Saw and grist mills were built along the river. The Lyles family established a ferry across the river., 1800s , Expansion , 1817 – The General Assembly authorizes a survey of the river systems, seeking possible improvements based on findings of the survey. , 1828 – The state completed construction of canals for steamboat and small boat navigation., 1850s , From Mills to Hydro , 1850 – Thomas Lyles owned a grist mill along the river. , 1865 – Most of the mills along the Broad River were destroyed during the Civil War. , 1883 – Because of the intense shoals, Lyles Ford was sited as a potential place for hydroelectric development. However, in 1896 the shoals at Parr Shoals were sited instead because of the strength of the water flow and a potential for a larger hydroelectric plant., 1900s , Parr Shoals Beginnings , 1904 – The Parr Shoals Power Company was officially organized. , 1905 – Henry Larkin Parr bought land and water rights in anticipation of development. , (caption) Historic period artifacts found during cultural survey., 1910s , Hydroelectric Power , 1912 – Columbia railway, Gas, and Electric Company purchased the land and water rights from the Parr Shoals Power Company to develop a hydroelectric plant. , 1912 – Construction of the coffer dams began in July; construction of the powerhouse’s substructure began in November. , 1914 – The completed Parr Plant was put into service. , 1916 – Powerlines were connected to nearby communities., 1920s–1930s , Growth and Expansion , 1921 – The Parr Powerhouse was expanded with a sixth generating unit. , 1924 – Parr Shoals Development expanded with the construction of a Steam Plant. , 1926 and 1929 – Parr Steam Plant was expanded., 1940s–1950s , Power Partnerships , 1940 - Parr Steam Plant expanded and an additional boiler was added. , 1956 – A partnership between SCE&G, Carolina Power and Light Company, Duke Power Company, and Virginian Electric and Power Company resulted in the formation of Carolinas Virginia Nuclear Power Associates, Inc. (CVNPA). , 1957 – Construction of a nuclear reactor was planned near the Parr Powerhouse., 1960s–1970s , A New Era , 1962 - Construction of the Parr Nuclear Plant was complete. , 1970 and 1971 - Parr Steam Plant was expanded. , 1974 – Construction for the Fairfield Pumped Storage Facility was permitted. , 1976 – The dams for the Fairfield facility were constructed, resulting in the impoundment of the Monticello Reservoir. , 1978 - Construction for the Fairfield Pumped Storage Facility was complete and the entire facility was operational., 1978–Now , Public Recreation , The creation of the Parr Shoals Hydroelectric Facility led to the impoundment of the Parr Reservoir and the Monticello Reservoir. While hydroelectric production was the main reason for the creation of the lakes, both of the reservoirs provide the public with access to recreational resources., There are several parks with picnic facilities, boat launches, docks and fishing piers., The reservoirs also provide locals and tourists with access to swimming, boating, fishing and hunting., (captions) , Interior of Parr Powerhouse (2016). , Aerial photograph of Parr hydro, steam, and nuclear plants. , Aerial photograph of completed Fairfield Pumped Storage Facility.