Martinsville Fish Dam facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Martinsville Fish Dam
|
|
 |
|
 Location in Virginia
Location in the United States
|
|
| Nearest city | Martinsville, Virginia |
|---|---|
| Area | 1.5 acres (0.61 ha) |
| NRHP reference No. | 74002128 |
| Added to NRHP | January 21, 1974 |
The Martinsville Fish Dam is an amazing ancient structure. It was built by Native Americans in the Smith River near Martinsville, Virginia. This special dam is actually a type of fishing trap called a weir.
Contents
What is a Fish Dam or Weir?
A fish dam, also known as a weir, is a simple but clever way to catch fish. It's like a fence or wall built in a river. The Martinsville Fish Dam is made from a rough wall of piled rocks. These rocks form a "V" shape in the river.
How Did This Ancient Fishing Trap Work?
Imagine a big "V" pointing downstream in the river. The open part of the "V" faces upstream. As fish swim down the river, the rock walls guide them. They are funneled towards the narrow point of the "V".
At this narrow point, there was an opening. Native Americans would place a basket or a net in this opening. The fish would swim right into the trap! This was a very effective way to catch food for their communities. It shows how smart and resourceful ancient people were.
A Look Back: History of the Fish Dam
This fish dam is very old. It was built by Native Americans many, many years ago. It played an important role in their daily lives. It helped them get food from the river.
On January 21, 1974, the Martinsville Fish Dam was recognized as a special historical site. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's an important part of history. It is protected so future generations can learn from it.
Where Can You Find This Historic Site?
The Martinsville Fish Dam is located in the Smith River. This river flows through Henry County, Virginia. The dam is close to the city of Martinsville. It's a quiet reminder of the rich history of the area.
