Varney's Falls Dam

Varney's Falls Dam
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
U.S. Historic district Contributing property
Virginia Landmarks Register
Towpath near the culvert abutment
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Location	1 mi. E of jct. of VA 608 and VA 609 on the James River, near Gilmore Mills, Virginia
Coordinates	37°34′52″N 79°35′50″W / 37.58111°N 79.59722°W / 37.58111; -79.59722Coordinates: 37°34′52″N 79°35′50″W / 37.58111°N 79.59722°W / 37.58111; -79.59722
Area	61 acres (25 ha)
Built	1851 (1851)
Built by	Scott, Charles
Architectural style	Stone lock
NRHP reference #	93001127
VLR #	011-0068
Significant dates
Added to NRHP	October 14, 1993
Designated VLR	August 18, 1993

Varney's Falls Dam is a historic lock and dam structure located on the James River near Gilmore Mills, Botetourt County, Virginia. It was built in 1851, and is a massive limestone structure. The lock chamber measures 100 feet long between gate recesses, 15 feet wide, and approximately 21 feet from the top on the upriver end to ground level. Associated with the lock are the lock and dam abutment structures, the remaining towpaths, canal bed, berm bank, towpath culvert and remnants of a towpath bridge. The dam was destroyed in 1881, and the lock gates removed in 1885.

It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1993. It is part of the James River and Kanawha Canal Historic District.