Blue Ridge Shores, Virginia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Blue Ridge Shores, Virginia
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 Blue Ridge Shores, Virginia
Location in Virginia
Blue Ridge Shores, Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Virginia |
| County | Louisa |
| Area | |
| • Total | 1.80 sq mi (4.67 km2) |
| • Land | 1.37 sq mi (3.55 km2) |
| • Water | 0.43 sq mi (1.12 km2) |
| Elevation | 310 ft (90 m) |
| Population
(2010)
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| • Total | 813 |
| • Density | 593/sq mi (229.0/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC−5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code |
23093 (Louisa)
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| FIPS code | 51-08264 |
| GNIS feature ID | 2630622 |
Blue Ridge Shores is a census-designated place (CDP) in Louisa County, Virginia, United States. The population as of the 2010 census was 813. It was built beginning in 1960 as a resort community around Lake Louisa.
History
The land encompassing Blue Ridge Shores (BRS) was originally part of the estate of Thomas Ellis, whose vast holdings by 1800 included a mill, cobbler's shop, wheelwright, blacksmith shop, general store, and boasted an efficient stage coach line to such destinations as Orange Springs and the University of Virginia.
The idea of creating a recreational and retirement development originated with Dr. I.E. Byrd, an educator from Washington, D.C. He bought over 700 acres of land and planned an elaborate complex consisting of a hotel , golf course, shopping and dining facilities and well as an area for vacationers. His dreams were larger than his funds, however, he was forced to abandon the project. He sold the property by 1958 to the American Realty Corporation and within a year Blue Ridge Shores, Inc. (not to be confused with Blue Ridge Shores Property Owners Association) was formed. By 1960 the first dam was built filling the lake, an office and a few cottages were built, and than advertising campaign started. In April 1960 the present Blue Ridge Property Owners Association (BRPOA) was established with a three-person Board of Directors, the first act in the long process of disassociation from the realty company and becoming an independent community. By 1963 control of the development was turned over to the new association by American Realty. Many problems faced the fledgling community as they established a dues structure, repaired existing buildings and docks, and staffed administration and management positions.
August 1969 brought hurricane Camille that nearly destroyed the development. Eleven inches of rain fell in a twelve-hour period. The dam collapsed draining the lake. The Board of Directors immediately took steps to rebuild the dam, set up a fund to finance the project, and reassure residents about the future of the development. The new dam was completed and dedicated on Memorial Day, 1970.
Two years later, Hurricane Agnes severely damaged the spillway. The lake was lowered and repairs were made. When another storm hit in October 1972, more damages were done but the reinforced spillway saved the lake.
In the succeeding years, we have experienced additional severe storms. In June 1995, flooding caused extensive damage to the office complex, Marina, Community Center, bridge, and our water system pipeline. BRS volunteers and private contractors repaired the damages. Once again, the spillway and dam withstood the ravages of a storm that brought us over ten inches of rain in an eight-hour time period.
See also
In Spanish: Blue Ridge Shores (Virginia) para niños
