Road atop American Revolutionary period dam now serves bull frogs and otters. Closed to people.
The Jolly Pond Dam dates to the American Revolutionary period. Sited near a documented free black settlement, it was likely built by slave labor and has remained in continuous use without physical change since 1782.
Milling operations continued until the 1900’s. Ruins of the old mill have never been excavated and the original wagon road at the top of the dam is now used as a part of Jolly Pond Road.
Back in 2006 Tropical Storm Emesto tore up the privately owned dam on Jolly Pond Rd.
James City County leased the dam from the owner and made repairs.
It was given a temporary operation and maintenance certificate set to expire January 31, 2009.
The time came and wen’t and since the dam wasn’t kept up the state closed the dam section of the road.
The Jolly Pond Rd. is a D shape route connected to Centerville Rd at both ends.
There is now an 8 mile detour adding 20 minutes to any emergency vehicle’s response.
It’s a fun motorcycle ride with good speed and plenty of banking tight turns. The road is in fine condition.
The closed dam section of the road is quite scenic and full of wild life including what sounds like an army of bull frogs and curious little otters.
