Nature
Lake Anna State Park in Spotsylvania County occupies land whose use changed dramatically over time. It was originally the site of the Goodwin Gold Mine, where gold was first discovered in 1829, linking the area to Virginia’s 19th-century mining history. Later, the landscape was transformed by the creation of Lake Anna, a reservoir made by damming the North Anna River to supply cooling water for Dominion Power’s nearby nuclear power plant. Work to create the park began in 1972, and it opened in 1983. The park’s significance lies in this unusual combination of gold-mining heritage, industrial infrastructure, and public recreation.
Hear stories like this as you drive
ExploreHere reads historical markers out loud as you pass them: over 325,000 stories across the US. No account needed.
4.7 · 800+ ratings · Free
FIND IT
Virginia · United States