Our friends and neighbors of Upper East Tennessee and North Carolina have been devastated by the flooding of the remnants of Hurricane Helene. Some of the first reports were that the Walters Dam on the Pigeon River upstream from Hartford, Tennessee, had failed. It did not.
Walters Dam, and the Waterville Power Plant six miles downstream, have a nearly 100-year history. Completed in 1927, the dam is 180 feet tall, an engineering marvel for the time. Both are considered historic landmarks.
That area of the national park is one of my favorite areas to photograph. Big Creek, Cataloochee Valley and many small roads have been my subjects in the past. Liking the symbolism of the shining interior lights coming from a power plant, I stopped for this photograph early one morning on my way into Big Creek.
The dam and the power plant appear to have survived another flood. The interstate, local roads and surrounding communities did not fare as well. Never giving this image much artistic credence, with the destruction all around, its survival makes it a little more historically significant.
If you missed it, please see Beth Kinnane’s excellent article in KnoxTNToday.com on options to help the flood victims.
Photographer Chris and painter Robin Rohwer each week share a painting or photograph that captured their interest in hopes that it will also capture yours. They have a small studio and gallery in the Phoenix Building at 418 South Gay Street where you can stop and see their work. Their website is www.ChristopherRobinArts.com. All works are copyright protected.
My father’s worked at Walter’s Power plant. We lived there when I was born.
At the time there were nine houses, a boarding house, and a one room school.
The last time I visited, about two years ago, there were five or fewer houses.
The school remained. I am so interested to know if what was left of the village
remained after the recent floods. I would appreciate it if you have any information.