Historic Smithville Dam
Posted by: 
94RedRover
N 39° 59.141 W 074° 45.052
18S E 521270 N 4426197
By damming the river here in the late 1700s, historic Smithville Village became a booming south Jersey town.
Waymark Code: WM39Z7
Location: New Jersey, United States
Date Posted: 03/02/2008
Views: 6
Any town in the pines that wished to perservere, needed a successful mill. With that, there is a need for moving water, enough moving water to turn the wheel. Damming a river or stream was the best way to accomplish this goal. Smithville was no different.
The historic town of Smithville offers visitors a look at post-revolutionary life in a south Jersey town. The town became a haven for profiteers and pirates...running loot through the dark, swampy pine barrens.
The discovery of better iron in Pennsylvania brought south Jersey economy to a screeching halt. Many towns were simply abandoned. Smithville has undergone a lot of renovation, and there are now some 80 shoppes that visitors can shop at, or take a wonderful hike around the Smithville Lake, created by the dam that still stands.
Waterway where the dam is located: Mullica River
Main use of the Water Dam: Hydroelectric Power Production
Material used in the structure: embankment
Date built: 01/01/1792
Height of Dam: Not listed
Fishing Allowed: Not Listed
Motor Sports Allowed: Not Listed
|
Visit Instructions:
Photo of the Dam and a description of your visit.