Near Elizabeth in Wirt County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)

Wells Lock and Dam No. 3

Photographed by J. J. Prats, May 30, 2021

1. Wells Lock and Dam No. 3 Marker

Inscription. Built 1867-74 by Kanawha Navigation Company at cost of $60,000, Dam is 289 ft. long with 42 ft. wide base anchored to bedrock. Lockchamber is 22 ft. wide and 125 ft. long with a 11.8 ft. lift. Purchased by Federal Government, 1905. and partially rebuilt, 1908. Federal operation of project for commercial navigation on Little Kanawha River ended 1951.

Erected 2009 by West Virginia Archives & History.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1905.

Location. 39° 4.102′ N, 81° 23.324′ W. Marker is near Elizabeth, West Virginia, in Wirt County. It is on Lock Three Road just south of Wells Lock Road (Local Road 14/7), on the right when traveling south. It is at the Wells Lock Public [Waterway] Access Site, which is 1 mile east of WV Route 14. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Elizabeth WV 26143, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in West Virginia’s Mid-Ohio Valley. It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

in Appalachia,

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and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Beauchamp-Newman Museum (approx. 0.4 miles away); Wirt County Honor Roll (approx. half a mile away); Elizabeth (approx. half a mile away); Historical Elizabeth (approx. half a mile away); Murder of William B. Dulin (approx. 3.4 miles away); Ruble Church (approx. 5 miles away); Camp Kootaga (approx. 5.7 miles away); Ritchie County / Wirt County (approx. 6½ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Elizabeth.

Regarding Wells Lock and Dam No. 3. There is a small park with a picnic shelter here. There is never a charge to enter any West Virginia state park.

Photographed by J. J. Prats, May 30, 2021

2. Wells Lock and Dam No. 3 Marker

Wells Dam No. 3 and Ruins of Lock image. Click for full size.

Photographed by J. J. Prats, May 30, 2021

3. Wells Dam No. 3 and Ruins of Lock

The ruins of the lock is in the foreground with the dam and the muddy spring waters of the Little Kanawha River can be seen in the distance.

Wells Lock No. 3 image. Click for full size.

Photographed by J. J. Prats, May 30, 2021

4. Wells Lock No. 3

Credits. This page was last revised on April 26, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 31, 2021, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 2,306 times since then and 149 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on May 31, 2021, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.