Eagle Rock is an unincorporated community in Botetourt County, Virginia, United States, located along the James River between Iron Gate, Virginia and Buchanan, Virginia.
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History
Eagle Rock had the last lock of the James River and Kanawha Canal.
Lime production
It was the location of the kilns for making lime. Limestone was transported across the river via a tram system and then burned in the kilns to make lime. Old quarries and locally known Quarry Hill are located on either side of US 220. The Bessemer Archaeological Site, Phoenix Bridge and Roaring Run Furnace are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Rail history
At the end of the canal system, transportation was done by rail. Eagle Rock was the point of convergence of the Richmond and Alleghany Railroad (soon to be known as the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway, and later CSX Transportation) and the Craig Valley Line, which ran to Surber Station and on to New Castle, Virginia.
Notable residents
- William Hanes Ayres (1916â€"2000), U.S. Congressman from Ohio, was born in Eagle Rock, as was boxer Norvel Lee.
- Angela Tincher, All-American softball pitcher for James River High School and Virginia Tech.
References
External links
- Down Home in Eagle Rock by Anita J. Firebaugh, Cooperative Living magazine, February 2000
- Eagle Rock Myspace
