Kerr Lake

… was formed in 1952 with the completion of John H. Kerr Dam on Roanoke River in Virginia. Reservoir also fed by Dan River, Nutbush Creek, Island Creek, and many smaller tributaries, it extends into central Vance County, N Granville County, and NW Warren County. Normally it covers 48,900 acres and is 39 mi. long, with a shoreline of 800 mi. Max. depth 99 ft. Used for hydroelectric power generation, flood control, municipal water supply, irrigation, and recreation. Named for Congressman John H. Kerr (1873-1958). Initially known as Buggs Island Lake for an island in Roanoke River below the dam. The section of the reservoir extending into Vance County on Nutbush Creek is sometimes known as Townsville Lake. The official name is John H. Kerr Reservoir.