A Dam on the Greenbrier

 

 The sources describe a dam on the Greenbrier River and the events surrounding its construction and impact. Here's an account of the dam:

*   **Purpose and Construction:** The dam, referred to as the **Splash Dam**, was built by the St. Lawrence Company. The purpose of the dam was to facilitate the **transport of logs** down the river. The construction involved considerable labor, material, and expense, requiring the work of several teams of men. The dam was built **eleven feet high** and of a solid construction.

*   **Features of the Dam:**  The dam could hold back **three miles** of water, creating a large area for the impoundment of logs.

*   **First Rafting:**  The first rafting of logs from this dam took place in the month of March, with rafts coming from various points in the county. The start of the rafting season was hampered by a heavy rain, which made the river too high, and the logs were difficult to control. The water was so high that the splash dam was not needed.

*  **Hazards of the Dam:** The sources also note that the **chute created a hazard** due to the force of the water, causing rafts to break apart as they went through the chute. The rapid current was considered dangerous, with logs going up to 20 feet in the air and sometimes breaking apart.

*   **Concerns and Modifications:** There were concerns that the dam was not properly built. It was decided that the river should run until material changes were made to the dam.

*  **Additional Details**: The dam was also referred to as being a dam on the West Fork river.

In summary, the Splash Dam on the Greenbrier River was constructed to aid in the transport of logs, and while the initial rafting efforts were met with some success, it was also found that the dam and chute were hazardous and required modifications to ensure safe passage.