Greenwood, Bath County, Virginia facts for kids

Greenwood, Bath County was once a small, unincorporated community located in Bath County, Virginia, in the United States. This community no longer exists today because it was abandoned and later covered by water when Lake Moomaw was built.

Greenwood: A Town Under Water

Greenwood was a quiet place in the mountains of Virginia. It was known as an "unincorporated community." This means it was a group of homes and perhaps a few buildings, but it didn't have its own local government like a city or a town with a mayor and town council. Instead, it was managed by the larger Bath County government.

What Was an Unincorporated Community?

Imagine a small neighborhood that isn't officially a town. That's often what an unincorporated community is like. People lived there, worked, and had their daily lives, but they didn't have their own separate local government. They relied on the county for services like roads and schools. Greenwood was one such place, nestled in the beautiful Virginia landscape.

Where Was Greenwood Located?

Greenwood was situated in the western part of Virginia, within Bath County. This area is known for its stunning natural beauty, including mountains, forests, and rivers. The community was part of a rural landscape, likely with residents who worked in farming, forestry, or other local industries common in such areas. Its exact location is now beneath the waters of Lake Moomaw.

Building Lake Moomaw

The story of Greenwood is closely tied to the creation of Lake Moomaw. This large reservoir was built in the 1970s. Its main purpose was to help control floods and manage water resources in the region. Building such a big lake often means changing the landscape, and sometimes, communities are in the way.

Why Was the Lake Created?

Lake Moomaw was built by the United States Army Corps of Engineers. Their goal was to create a reservoir that could store water. This water could then be released slowly to help prevent flooding downstream. It also helped maintain water levels in rivers during dry periods. Today, Lake Moomaw is also a popular spot for outdoor activities like fishing, boating, and camping.

How Did Greenwood Become Part of the Lake?

To create Lake Moomaw, a large dam called the Gathright Dam was constructed on the Jackson River. When the dam was finished, the valley behind it began to fill with water. Greenwood was located in this valley. As the water rose, the community had to be abandoned. Homes and other structures were either moved or left behind to be submerged. This is how Greenwood, a once-living community, became a town under the water, preserved in the memory of the lake.