Coleman Falls Dam facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Coleman Falls Dam |
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 Location of Coleman Falls Dam in Virginia
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| Location | Bedford County, Virginia / Amherst County, Virginia, U.S. |
| Coordinates | 37°30′8.55″N 79°17′59.90″W / 37.5023750°N 79.2999722°W |
| Purpose | Hydroelectric, Recreation, Fish and Wildlife Pond |
| Status | In use |
| Opening date | 1851 |
| Owner(s) | Georgia Pacific Corporation |
| Operator(s) | Georgia Pacific Corporation |
| Dam and spillways | |
| Type of dam | Gravity |
| Impounds | James River |
| Height | 20 ft (6.1 m) |
| Length | 562 ft (171 m) |
| Power station | |
| Operator(s) | Georgia Pacific Corporation |
| Hydraulic head | 18 ft (5.5 m) |
The Coleman Falls Dam is a special structure on the James River in Virginia. It helps create electricity for people to use. This dam is located near a small community called Coleman Falls, Virginia.
The project includes a large wall, called a gravity dam, that stretches across one side of the river. On the other side, there's a building called a power house. This power house holds all the special machines that turn water power into electricity.
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What is the Coleman Falls Dam?
The Coleman Falls Dam is a hydroelectric facility. This means it uses the power of moving water to make electricity. It's a very important part of the local power system. The dam helps control the flow of the James River.
Where is the Dam Located?
You can find the Coleman Falls Dam in Virginia, where Bedford County, Virginia and Amherst County, Virginia meet. It's built right across the James River. This river is one of the longest rivers in Virginia.
When Was It Built?
The Coleman Falls Dam is quite old! It was opened way back in 1851. That's over 170 years ago. It shows how long dams have been used to help communities.
How Does a Gravity Dam Work?
The Coleman Falls Dam is a type of structure called a gravity dam. This means it's built to be very heavy and thick. Its own weight is what holds it in place against the strong push of the water. It's like a giant, heavy wall holding back the river.
Who Owns and Runs the Dam?
Today, the Coleman Falls Dam is owned and operated by the Georgia Pacific Corporation. They are responsible for keeping the dam working and making sure it continues to produce electricity.
What is the Dam Used For?
The main purpose of the Coleman Falls Dam is to create hydroelectric power. But it also has other uses:
- Recreation: The area around the dam can be used for fun activities.
- Fish and Wildlife Pond: It helps create a habitat for fish and other animals.
How Big is the Dam?
The Coleman Falls Dam is quite impressive in size.
- It is about 562 feet (or 171 meters) long. That's longer than a football field!
- It stands about 20 feet (or 6 meters) tall.
Other Dams Nearby
The Coleman Falls Dam is not the only dam on the James River. Upstream from it, there is another, smaller dam called the Holcomb Rock Dam. This shows how rivers can have several dams along their path.
