Lake Gaston Live Cam

Lake Gaston is a man-made reservoir located in North Carolina and Virginia, USA. It was created in 1963 when the Gaston Dam was constructed across the Roanoke River. The dam is owned and operated by Dominion Energy. Lake Gaston covers approximately 20,300 acres and has over 350 miles of shoreline, making it a popular destination for outdoor recreation, tourism, and waterfront living.

Littleton is a town situated along the northern shore of Lake Gaston in Halifax County, North Carolina. The town has a rich history dating back to the early 19th century when it was originally settled. The area was primarily agricultural, with cotton and tobacco being the main crops grown in the region.

With the creation of Lake Gaston in the 1960s, the landscape and economy of Littleton underwent significant changes. The construction of the dam and reservoir resulted in the flooding of vast areas, including parts of the town and surrounding farmland. Many residents were forced to relocate to higher ground, and some historical sites were lost beneath the newly formed lake.

However, the creation of Lake Gaston also brought new opportunities for tourism, recreation, and development to the region. The lake's pristine waters and beautiful scenery attract visitors and vacationers throughout the year. Fishing, boating, watersports, and camping are popular activities, contributing to the local economy.

Littleton, being located on the lake's shores, benefited from the increased tourism and has become a destination for lake enthusiasts seeking accommodation, restaurants, and other services. As the years passed, the town has continued to evolve, combining its historical roots with the modern amenities demanded by lakefront living.

Local communities around Lake Gaston, including Littleton, have worked to preserve and promote their unique histories and cultural heritage. Historical societies, museums, and local events often showcase the area's past and its transformation since the establishment of the lake.

Historical Facts

Lake Gaston has a fascinating history that stretches back many years. Here are some historical facts about Lake Gaston:

• Origin and Construction: Lake Gaston was created in 1963 with the construction of the Gaston Dam. The dam was built across the Roanoke River to generate hydroelectric power and to provide flood control for the region. The dam was named after William Gaston, a prominent jurist and North Carolina Congressman from the early 19th century.
• Flooding and Resettlement: The creation of Lake Gaston required the flooding of vast areas of land, including several communities, farms, and historical sites. Many residents were forced to relocate to higher ground, and some towns were entirely submerged beneath the newly formed reservoir. This process significantly altered the landscape and the lives of the affected communities.
• Hydroelectric Power: One of the primary purposes of building Lake Gaston and the Gaston Dam was to generate hydroelectric power. The dam is a crucial part of the Roanoke Rapids Power Project, which supplies electricity to both North Carolina and Virginia.
• Size and Geography: Lake Gaston covers an area of approximately 20,300 acres (about 32 square miles) and has more than 350 miles of shoreline. The lake extends for about 34 miles along the Roanoke River, spanning from the Gaston Dam to the Kerr Dam in Virginia.
• Recreational Activities: Since its creation, Lake Gaston has become a popular destination for recreational activities such as boating, fishing, water skiing, swimming, and camping. The lake's clean waters and scenic beauty make it an attractive spot for residents and tourists alike.
• Cross-State Location: Lake Gaston straddles the border between North Carolina and Virginia, with the majority of its shoreline in North Carolina's Halifax and Warren counties and Virginia's Mecklenburg and Brunswick counties.
• Economic Impact: The establishment of Lake Gaston has had a significant economic impact on the surrounding communities. Tourism, real estate development, and the service industry related to lake activities have become vital sources of income and employment for the region.
• Environmental Concerns: Over the years, concerns have been raised about water quality, pollution, and invasive species in Lake Gaston. Conservation efforts and partnerships between government agencies, organizations, and local communities work to address these challenges and protect the lake's ecological health.
• Lake Gaston Association: The Lake Gaston Association, founded in 1968, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and protecting the natural resources and quality of life around Lake Gaston. The association promotes responsible lake use and environmental stewardship.

These historical facts provide a glimpse into the creation, development, and significance of Lake Gaston over the years. As a popular destination for both residents and visitors, the lake continues to play a crucial role in the cultural and economic life of the surrounding communities.

Geography

Its geography is shaped by the construction of the Gaston Dam, which created the lake by impounding the Roanoke River. Here are some key geographic features and characteristics of Lake Gaston:

• Location: Lake Gaston is situated along the border between North Carolina and Virginia. It spans parts of Halifax and Warren counties in North Carolina and Mecklenburg and Brunswick counties in Virginia.
• Size: The lake covers an area of approximately 20,300 acres, making it a sizable body of water. It stretches for about 34 miles along the Roanoke River, with the dam located at the northern end and the Kerr Dam at the southern end.
• Shape: Lake Gaston has a winding and irregular shape, with numerous coves and inlets along its shoreline. The meandering nature of the lake provides diverse waterfront properties and scenic views.
• Shoreline: Lake Gaston boasts over 350 miles of shoreline, offering ample space for various recreational activities, lakefront living, and waterfront developments.
• Watershed: The lake is part of the Roanoke River Basin, which drains a significant portion of the southeastern United States. The Roanoke River is a major tributary of the Chowan River, and ultimately flows into Albemarle Sound in North Carolina.
• Hydroelectric Power: The Gaston Dam, located at the northern end of the lake, is a hydroelectric facility owned and operated by Dominion Energy. It is an essential component of the Roanoke Rapids Power Project, generating electricity by harnessing the flow of water through the dam.
• Water Source: The primary water source for Lake Gaston is the Roanoke River, which provides a steady flow of water that maintains the lake's level. The lake's water quality and level are also regulated to serve the purposes of hydroelectric power generation, flood control, and recreation.
• Surrounding Landscape: The surrounding landscape of Lake Gaston varies, with some areas featuring gently sloping hills and wooded shores, while others may have more rugged terrain. The lake's scenery is known for its natural beauty and serene atmosphere.
• Recreational Activities: Lake Gaston's geography lends itself to a wide range of recreational activities, such as boating, fishing, water skiing, swimming, and camping. Its vast size and calm waters make it a popular destination for water-based fun.

Lake Gaston's geography, with its extensive shoreline, picturesque coves, and scenic surroundings, has contributed to its popularity as a destination for both residents and visitors seeking relaxation and outdoor recreation. It remains an important feature of the regional landscape and an essential resource for the communities that surround it.

Lake Gaston's 1º choice for waterfront property

For the family planning to build a home or purchase land at Lake Gaston, there is almost no limit to the choices available. Ranging from camping and mobile home lots to exclusive homesites. Lake Gaston affords you anything you want both on the waterfr ont and off-shore. The moderate to the most discriminating buyer can find a property to suit his needs. Lots on the waterfront and off-shore are usually 1/2 acre to 1 acre in size. Frontage on the shoreline averages between 100 and 150 feet. The topography around the lake is so varied, one can find many types of lots in the same subdivision.

Many lots are flat or gently sloping with sandy beaches where others are cliff-like with a panoramic lake view. There are densely wooded lots and lots with no trees at all. Did you know? Lake Gaston was created when Virginia Electric and Power Company completed construction of the Gaston Dam near Thelma in 1963. Lake Gaston's 350-mile shoreline skims the counties of Halifax, North Hampton, Warren in North Carolina, Brunswick and Mecklinburg counties in Virginia. Lake Gaston is 34 miles in length and 1.3 miles across at its widest point.