Posted January 28, 2015 | Updated August 27, 2018

As park of the month in 2015, we explored Smith Mountain Lake State Park, its amenities and area attractions, and its seasonal beauty. In this third and final Park of the Month post, we will delve a little more into the history of the park and the resort area that surrounds it. 

A visit to Smith Mountain Lake State Park is a beautiful thing

Once a rural homestead, now a bustling lakeside park

HOW IT ALL BEGAN

Once upon a time, this land was a rural farming community. The lake did not exist then, but the Roanoke River nearby rushed down the mountain, from its headwaters high in the Blue Ridge all the way to the Albemarle Sound. The Native Americans, Virginia Siouan, named the river Roanoke, meaning "River of Death" for the treacherous floods that would come with the spring rains and snow thaw.

Later, as Europeans began to settle here, they raised tobacco and other subsistence crops in this hilly terrain where Virginia's Piedmont meets the Blue Ridge Mountains. Vestiges of times gone by may be seen in the park today. Notable historic structures here include a tobacco barn near the Discovery Center and a stone fence visible along the roadway and near the picnic area, as well as the cabin pictured above.

This barn was used for firing flue-cured tobacco, the main money crop for this region through the mid-twentieth century

A stone fence stands as a reminder of the farm that was here before the park

THE LAKE AND COMMUNITY

The story of Smith Mountain Lake State Park is intertwined with the history of the lake and that of Appalachian Power Company, which donated land for the park to provide recreational opportunities for the public. Smith Mountain Dam was first proposed in the 1920's as a way to produce power to meet growing demand for the new modern convenience of electricity. Construction of the dam began in 1960. When Smith Mountain and Leesville dams were completed in 1963, it took another three years to fill these lakes from the waters of the Roanoke and Blackwater rivers.

In 2016, Smith Mountain Lake will celebrated its 50th anniversary.

After the lake was formed, the surrounding area maintained its rural character for a while. As more and more visitors came to enjoy the lake, many decided to stay, or to return year after year for vacation. As word spread of the beauty, the bountiful fishing opportunities and the superb water recreation afforded by the lake, development increased.

Today, the area around Smith Mountain Lake has become populated with many permanent residents, along with visitors who come every year to enjoy the lake and the surrounding attractions. No longer a backwater, Smith Mountain Lake has become a full-fledged resort with restaurants, shopping centers, wineries, and fun attractions for all ages. Residents and visitors alike see Smith Mountain Lake State Park as an oasis of calm where wildlife thrives, and where they can relax and thrive as well.

Smith Mountain Lake was formed beginning in 1963

The Friends of Smith Mountain Lake State Park raised funds for a new tour boat for the park

One of the most special aspects of this park is that is the community that surrounds it, and is part of it. The active Friends of Smith Mountain Lake are an integral part of the park's operations and programs, giving tirelessly of their time and resources. The park also gives back to the community with special events throughout the year for local charities. Just as rural communities have stuck together to help each other for decades past, the park and community deeply woven.

In fact, with the help of the Friends, along with a major donation from Appalachian Power Company and other donors, this year (2015) the park will begin offering free educational tours of the lake on their new custom made tour boat. Read about it on their blog "Our ship has come in."

MORE INFORMATION

For information about all the programs and events taking place throughout the year you can find event listings here.

For overnight reservations click here or call the Customer Service Center at 800-933-7275 during regular business hours.

We hope you will plan a visit to Smith Mountain Lake State Park soon, and listen to what these hills have to say to you.

 

You may also enjoy Pat's articles "Four Seasons of Fun at Smith Mountain Lake State Park" and "It's All Here at the Lake."

Posted January 28, 2015 | Updated August 27, 2018