[2] Its namesake, William Carvin, is recognized as the first settler in the Hollins area of present-day Roanoke County.

[1] By November 1926 the company made public their intention to construct this dam at the Carvins Creek falls.

The final structures were auctioned by the city on February 14, 1944, effectively marking the end of the community.

[2] All told, the city acquired over 12,000 acres (49 km2) through purchase and condemnation at a cost of approximately $1 million.

[2] The completed facility subsequently became the largest supplier of water to the city upon its official dedication on March 25, 1947.