Appalachian Power began donating parcels of land which now constitute the park in 1967.

Construction of the dam involved engineering challenges because the Roanoke River's flow at that gap was inadequate using technology available in the 19th and early 20th century (when first envisioned), but German engineers developed a reservoir technique that allowed power generation from less voluminous rivers using reservoirs by the mid-20th century.

[2] Another challenge involved acquiring the land which would be flooded, and relocating numerous cemeteries as required by longstanding Virginia state law.

Roanoke delegate A. Victor Thomas championed Virginia conservation efforts, as well as a bond issue which passed overwhelmingly and permitted construction of rental cabins at the park.

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