Information Panel: Head Gates and Inner Basin

Head gates for the historic power system.

NPS / Claire Hassler

Quick Facts

Amenities

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Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits

These brick-lined archways, or "head gates," built around 1850, once controlled much of the island's waterpower. From here, a "wing dam" extended across the Shenandoah River, funneling water through the arches and into the inner basin. A gate at the opening of each arch controlled the flow.

After passing through the head gates, the water was stored in the inner basin until dispersed via raceways and tunnels to the mills and factories. After the 1889 flood, silt and sand accumulated and eventually filled the basin.