John H. Kerr Dam

John H. Kerr Dam stretches 849 meters across the Roanoke River using seven vertical turbines to generate power. The facility produces 227 megawatts of electricity and creates a large reservoir for water management and recreation.

Built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers between 1947 and 1953, the dam was originally called Buggs Island Lake. Congress changed the official name to John H. Kerr in 1951.

The reservoir shapes how people from Virginia and North Carolina use the river, with boating, fishing, and picnicking becoming central to local recreation. These water-based activities define much of the outdoor life for nearby communities.

The dam has viewing areas and an information center where visitors can learn about the facility. Around the reservoir you will find boat ramps, fishing access points, and hiking trails to explore.

The dam was built from 53 separate concrete sections that fit together like building blocks along the river. This modular construction allowed precise assembly across the wide span.

Location: Mecklenburg County

Inception: 1953

Length: 849 m

GPS coordinates: 36.59810,-78.29860

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:44