1977 Map of Smith Mountain Dam

About this map

Smith Mountain Dam stands as the central engineering feature of this orthophotoquad, which uses aerial imagery from 1977 to document the complex shoreline of Smith Mountain Lake. The landscape is defined by the confluence of the Roanoke River and the Blackwater River, creating a deeply indented reservoir that surrounds high points like Smith Mountain. This photographic survey provides a clear view of the rural upland terrain before later decades of shoreline development, showing the patchwork of forest and clearings around small settlements such as Dundee and Kasey. To the southeast, the water continues through the dam into Leesville Lake. Local landmarks like Graves Store and the drainages of Carter Creek and Mill Creek help orient those studying the region's mid-century land use and topography.