Carvins Cove, Virginia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Carvins Cove, Virginia
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 Carvins Cove, Virginia
Location in Virginia
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| Country | United States |
| State | Virginia |
| County | Roanoke & Botetourt |
| Established | Early 1800s |
| Abandoned | c. 1940s |
| Named for | William Carvin |
| Elevation | 1,168 ft (356 m) |
Carvins Cove was once a small community in Virginia, USA. It was located in both Botetourt and Roanoke County. In the mid-1940s, this community was abandoned. It was then covered by water to create the Carvins Cove Reservoir. This reservoir was built by the City of Roanoke to supply water.
Contents
The Story of Carvins Cove
Early Days of the Community
The Carvins Cove community started in the early 1800s. It began with a grist mill built near the falls of Carvins Creek. A grist mill is a place where grain is ground into flour. The area was named after William Carvin. He was known as the first settler in the Hollins area. This is now part of Roanoke County.
Before the community was covered by water in the 1940s, it was a busy place. It had a school called Rocky Branch School. There was also a church, Cove Alum Baptist Church. People could even visit a resort hotel called Cove Alum Springs. For fun, there was an amusement park named Tuck-Away Park. At least 60 homes were part of this community.
Why Carvins Cove Disappeared
The plan to create a reservoir began in the early 1920s. The Virginia Water Company announced they wanted to build a dam. This dam would hold back water near the community. By November 1926, the company shared their plan. They intended to build the dam at the Carvins Creek falls.
Construction of the dam started soon after. An 80-foot (24-meter) tall wall was finished by 1928. However, the full reservoir was not completed until the mid-1940s. This happened after the City of Roanoke bought the Roanoke Water Works. By 1942, the City of Roanoke owned the water company. They then bought all the land needed in the Cove.
The very last buildings in the community were sold. The city held an auction on February 14, 1944. This date officially marked the end of the Carvins Cove community.
Building the Reservoir
The City of Roanoke bought over 12,000 acres (49 square kilometers) of land. They paid about $1 million for it. Some land was bought directly. Other land was acquired through a process called eminent domain. This is when the government can buy private land for public use.
The reservoir was completely filled with water by May 1946. The water level reached the top of the dam. This new facility became the main source of water for the city. It was officially opened on March 25, 1947.
Carvins Cove Today
Today, Carvins Cove Reservoir is very important. It is the main water source for the Western Virginia Water Authority. It provides water to 130,000 customers in the Roanoke Valley.
But Carvins Cove is more than just a water supply. It is also the ninth largest municipal park in the United States. A municipal park is a park owned by a city or town. The Cove offers many fun outdoor activities. You can find trails for:
- Mountain biking
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
It also connects to the famous Appalachian Trail. You can also go boating on the reservoir.
If you visit today, you can still see parts of the old community. Many stone foundations are visible throughout the reserve. During dry periods, when the water level is low, you can even see submerged foundations. These were once hidden under the water. They are a reminder of the community that used to be there.
