There is evidence of Kentucky’s past all over the state, you just have to know where to look for it. At times it is obvious as you tour a historic home or spend the night in a century-old hotel, but you may not be aware of some of the historic features that can be found throughout nature. In the small town of Louisa in Eastern Kentucky, the Big Sandy River has long been an important part of the area. In the 1800s, it was crucial to the livelihood of the people who lived there and thankfully, it was home to the first needle dam in America.

Louisa, Kentucky is located along the Big Sandy River which separates our state from West Virginia.
Photo Courtesy of Highways & Handlebars Photography
It's a quiet community of our state that is rich in history and it often feels like stepping back in time when you explore the area.
The river has long been an important part of the community and in the 1800s was a popular route for boat transportation.
Wikipedia/Thomas, B. F. - Freshwater and Marine Image Bank
The river, however, was not easily passable in some areas and so a plan for the first needle dam in America was born. The photo above shows the dam as it looked when in operation.
The dam aided river travel from the late 1800s until 1942 when it was deemed unnecessary.
Photo Courtesy of Highways & Handlebars Photography
Railroad transportation was booming in Eastern Kentucky and so it was too costly to continue to operate the dam. Almost 80 years later, and you can still see evidence of the needle dam within the Big Sandy River.

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This engineering marvel was quite revolutionary in its time and today stands as a reminder of what once was.
Photo Courtesy of Highways & Handlebars Photography
People used to be able to walk across the dam and it definitely served its purpose by making the river more navigable for larger vessels.
Features of the dam are viewable today, and it's quite remarkable to think how important they once were.
Photo Courtesy of Highways & Handlebars Photography
Many sites like this throughout Kentucky were once such a crucial part of a community and then slowly they become unnecessary. They leave behind a haunting, yet beautiful scene.
The Big Sandy River continues to flow between Kentucky and West Virginia and is filled with historic memories.
Photo Courtesy of Highways & Handlebars Photography
The beautiful history of our state is something to study and cherish and if possible, step back in time and experience for ourselves, if only through photos.

Take a look at this historic site today in this short video.

Kentucky is home to many firsts, including the first needle dam in America. It may not mean much now, but another generation thrived thanks to the creation of this engineering marvel and you can still see evidence of it today. Were you aware of this historic spot in Kentucky? What’s your favorite little known fact about the Bluegrass State? Let us know in the comments!

Special thanks to Sabrina May from Highways & Handlebars Photography for sharing valuable information and these beautiful photos. See more of her work on her Facebook page.

And while you’re in Louisa, be sure to stop by this legendary “drive inn” in Eastern Kentucky.

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Louisa, KY 41230, USA