Black Rock Dam (Schuylkill River)
| Company type | Dam |
|---|---|
| Industry | Hydroelectric power, Navigation |
| Founded | early 1800s |
| Founder | Schuylkill Navigation Company |
| Headquarters | Between Phoenixville and Mont Clare , United States |
| Products | Hydroelectric power, Navigation waterway |
| Owner | Exelon |
The Black Rock Dam is a low head dam situated on the Schuylkill River in southeastern Pennsylvania. Constructed in the early 1800s by the Schuylkill Navigation Company, it was originally designed as a stone-filled timber crib dam. This dam was among several built to form slack water pools essential for the operation of the Schuylkill Navigation System. It serves as a contributing property within the "Schuylkill Navigation Canal, Oakes Reach Section" historic district and lies between the communities of Phoenixville and Mont Clare.
The initial L-shaped design features a low head spillway set at a right angle and an elongated forebay running alongside the left bank, terminating at Lock 60, which functions as the guard lock for the Oakes Canal segment. In 1828, an additional lock was constructed on the right bank as part of the Chester County Canal extension, intended to provide water power and transportation access to Phoenixville; this canal was later destroyed by floodwaters in 1869.
In 1902, three hydroelectric generators were installed by the Reading Traction Company within the forebay to supply electricity for a nearby trolley network. Although these generators have since been removed, ownership of the dam remains with the power company Exelon.
During the later part of the 20th century, the perpendicular section was lengthened across the forebay's outlet, resulting in a continuous dam spanning from bank to bank and enclosing the forebay area.
A fish ladder was incorporated on the Chester County side in 2008 to aid efforts in restoring migratory American shad populations within the Schuylkill River. Archaeological investigations conducted during this enhancement revealed remnants of the Chester County Canal feeder lock.
See also
List of crossings of the Schuylkill River
References
External links
- Dams in Pennsylvania
- Buildings and structures in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania
- Buildings and structures in Chester County, Pennsylvania
- Historic district contributing properties in Pennsylvania
- Exelon
- Schuylkill River
- National Register of Historic Places in Chester County, Pennsylvania
- Dams with fish ladders