EAGLE ROCK, VA

Eagle Rock is a census-designated place (CDP) in Botetourt County, Virginia, United States, located along the James River between Iron Gate and Buchanan.

History

Eagle Rock had the last lock of the James River and Kanawha Canal.

Lime production

This was the location of the kilns for making lime. Limestone was transported across the James River via a tram system and then burned in the kilns to make lime. Originally a river ford, known as "The Free Stone Ford", allowed mule drawn wagons to cross. In May 1884 a bridge was constructed across the river for the limestone. Later, large towers were constructed and the lime sent across the river by cable. 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 James River and Kanawha 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.

Geography

Eagle Rock is located at (37.6422510, −079.7918942).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 0.71 square miles.

Demographics

As of the census of 2020, there were 209 people residing in the CDP. The population density was 290 people per square mile (110/km2). There were 102 housing units. The racial makeup of the CDP was 93.7% White, 0% Black or African American, 0% Native American, 0% Asian, 0% Pacific Islander, 0% from other races, and 6.3% from two or more races. 1.3% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

Education

The CDP is served by Botetourt County Public Schools. Eagle Rock had its own high school until the late 1950s, when the Northern Botetourt high schools were all consolidated into the newly formed James River High School in neighboring Springwood. Public school students residing in Eagle Rock attend Eagle Rock Elementary School, Central Academy Middle School, and James River High School.

Notable people