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Steer Island facts for kids

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Steer Island
Geography
Location New River, West Virginia
Coordinates 37°32′24″N 80°53′34″W / 37.5401201°N 80.8928623°W / 37.5401201; -80.8928623
Administration

Steer Island was once a small piece of land, or an island, located in Summers County, West Virginia. It was found on the New River in the United States. Today, Steer Island is no longer visible because it was covered by water when Bluestone Lake was created on the river.

What Was Steer Island?

Steer Island was a natural island that formed in the New River. An island is a piece of land completely surrounded by water. River islands, like Steer Island, are often formed by sediment and rocks carried by the river.

These islands can change shape over time. They might grow larger or shrink due to the river's flow. Steer Island was a "bar island," which means it was made up of sand, gravel, or other materials that built up in the river.

Where Was Steer Island Located?

Steer Island was situated in Summers County, a part of West Virginia. West Virginia is a state in the eastern United States. The island was specifically located on the New River.

The New River is quite famous. It's one of the oldest rivers in North America. Unlike most rivers in the area, the New River flows from south to north. It starts in North Carolina and flows through Virginia and West Virginia.

Why Did Steer Island Disappear?

Steer Island disappeared because of a big construction project. A large dam was built on the New River. This dam created a huge lake called Bluestone Lake. When the lake filled up, the water level rose, covering Steer Island completely.

This process is called "submerging." Many islands and land areas can become submerged when dams are built. The main reason for building the dam was to control floods and generate electricity.

Building Bluestone Dam

The Bluestone Dam was built by the United States Army Corps of Engineers. Construction began in 1941 and was completed in 1952. The dam is located near Hinton, West Virginia. It's a very large concrete dam.

The dam's main purpose is flood control. This means it helps prevent the river from overflowing its banks during heavy rains. It protects towns and farms downstream from flooding. The dam also helps manage the water flow for other uses.

The Purpose of Dams and Lakes

Dams are important structures built across rivers. They create reservoirs, which are artificial lakes. These lakes serve many purposes. They can store water for drinking or irrigation (watering crops).

Dams can also be used to generate hydroelectricity. This is electricity made from the power of moving water. While Bluestone Dam's primary role is flood control, many dams contribute to power generation and recreation like boating and fishing.

The New River and Bluestone Lake

The New River is a significant waterway. It's known for its age and its unique northward flow. The river flows into the Kanawha River, which eventually joins the Ohio River.

Bluestone Lake is now a popular spot for outdoor activities. Even though Steer Island is gone, the lake provides opportunities for boating, fishing, and camping. It's a great example of how human engineering can change a landscape.

The creation of Bluestone Lake changed the environment around the New River. While some natural features like Steer Island were lost, new habitats were created in the lake. This shows the balance between human development and nature.

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