Celebrating the Civilian Conservation Corps’ impact on infrastructure and architecture - dams and spillways

90th anniversary of Virginia State Parks

Dams and spillways

Did you know that many beautiful lakes in Virginia State Parks exist thanks to the CCC. In the 1930s, CCC crews built several earthen and concrete dams and spillways across Virginia.

One such earthen dam and stone-lined spillway was built during the creation of Douthat State Park, making the 50-acre Douthat Lake on Wilson Creek. This wasn’t just about recreation; it was smart engineering. Still standing strong 90 years later, the dam controls flooding, stabilizes water flow, while also being the park centerpiece for fishing, boating and swimming. 

Today, that same dam and spillway continue to protect the park and provide a scenic backdrop for visitors. These dams are more than infrastructure; they’re historic landmarks blending craftsmanship with sustainability.

When you enjoy the lake at Douthat, Bear Creek Lake or one of our several CCC-era parks, pause to appreciate the foresight and hard work of the CCC. 

Click to enlarge the image.

CCC building the dam at Douthat State Park

The dam at Douthat State Park today

The dam at Bear Creek Lake State Park

The Spillway at Pocahontas State Park

Plan for the Pocahontas Dam and Spillway

Plan for the elevation and impounding dam at Swift Creek at Pocahontas State Park

These landmarks aren’t just historic; they’re living pieces of our shared outdoor heritage, still supporting, inspiring and welcoming visitors nearly a century after they were built.

Next time you visit a Virginia State Park, take a moment to look a little closer. You might be standing beside a piece of history.

We invite you to rediscover the legacy that makes our parks not only breathtaking, but truly one of a kind.