OLD DAM

The site for this dam was likely originally chosen because of the narrow ledge and small drop, to provide power to the sawmill. In late spring, the surge of water would carry the logs downstream to larger rivers and sawmills. In this way, loggers could run logs down streams that would be too shallow without the water control afforded by the dam.

At Leonard's Mills, we use this dam to help harness the water flow going to the saw mill's headpond (where water is stored for use during mill operation) and ultimately to the waterwheel.