Former Carbonton Dam Site - Deep River - Chatham/Lee County
If you are
headed West on NC 42 near the Deep River Bridge, you will notice a hulking
brick structure on your right. That building is the remnants of the
former hydroelectric Carbonton Dam. The dam, which was the first
electrical power plant in the Sandhills, was built in 1921, although damming
the river at Carbonton dates back to the early 1800s.
The dam had been providing power to the local area until 2004. Originally built by Sandhills Power Company, the dam was run by a small Burlington energy company when it ceased operation. (1) In the fall of 2005, Restoration Systems, LLC began demolition of the dam. The work was completed in 2006. The demolition returned the Deep River to its natural flow something that had not been seen in over 150 years.
Today, you can easily access the dam's remains as there is now a local park immediately downstream from dam. Park there and walk around a bit. It's a great place to explore.
All photos taken by post author - June 2007.
The dam had been providing power to the local area until 2004. Originally built by Sandhills Power Company, the dam was run by a small Burlington energy company when it ceased operation. (1) In the fall of 2005, Restoration Systems, LLC began demolition of the dam. The work was completed in 2006. The demolition returned the Deep River to its natural flow something that had not been seen in over 150 years.
Today, you can easily access the dam's remains as there is now a local park immediately downstream from dam. Park there and walk around a bit. It's a great place to explore.
All photos taken by post author - June 2007.
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