Most of us are familiar with the legend of Atlantis: a mysterious and magnificent city that has long since disappeared underwater. Well, turns out, Virginia has its very own legend of a forgotten underwater city. Known as Monroe, the submerged town is likely the most unique of all Virginia ghost towns, and that’s because no one can quite prove – or deny – its existence. If it does indeed have a place in Virginia’s history, its location is most likely under the waters of Smith Mountain Lake. That’s right; there’s allegedly a city under Smith Mountain Lake!

Renee/flickr
Many Virginians might not realize that Smith Mountain Lake came to life relatively recently. What we see today as the second-largest freshwater lake in the state (and the largest that is entirely within the confines of Virginia's borders) began to fill up with water in September of 1963. Appalachian Power bought the rights to the land and built a dam that would provide hydroelectric power and a larger lake.
Vista Pointe Resort
Since the building of the dam and expansion of the lake, there have been several rumors about a city under Smith Mountain Lake. One in particular, known as Monroe, would most likely be in the area where Vista Pointe Resort is now located (photographed above). This town was founded by a man known as Abner Anthony in 1818. According to historian Herman Melton, Anthony had elaborate plans for this city. Tax records for the following year showed that some 28 lots existed for the town. But rather mysteriously, Anthony had disappeared from all tax rolls by 1869.
Sunken City Brewing Company/Facebook
Finding any physical signs of the town of Monroe is nearly impossible, which is why most believe the city is buried underwater, forever submerged when the dam was put in place. This local legend is alive and well at places such as Sunken City Brewery, located nearby in Hardy. The brewery is named for the lost community of Monroe.

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Laura Israel/YouTube
Laura Israel/YouTube
The possibility of a city under Smith Mountain Lake has gotten the attention of many, especially in the scuba diving community. These photographs, understandably blurry, show evidence of a sunken bridge known as the old Hales Ford Bridge.
JustinJett/YouTube
Another factor that points in the direction of an underwater ghost town is the sheer volume of timber in Smith Mountain Lake. Due to murky waters and poor visibility, even scuba divers have difficulty navigating these waters. It's also a rather dangerous place to explore underwater considering the amount of boating activity.
Virginia State Parks/flickr
Pinpointing this forgotten town's exact location is difficult, although given the historical background, it stands to reason that it very well could be submerged under Smith Mountain Lake. The buildings and homes might be lost forever, but the mystery around this underwater town will certainly live on, making it among the more intriguing of all Virginia ghost towns.

So, did you know about Smith Mountain Lake and the abandoned town that may or may not lie beneath its waters? Ever seen anything that’s made you wonder, “Is there a town under Smith Mountain Lake?” Whatever it is, tell us!

Looking for more information about Virginia ghost towns? Be sure to check out these five Virginia ghost towns that are long forgotten about and quite creepy.

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Daniella DiRienzo | July 14, 2022

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