Blue Ridge Shores History

The land encompassing Blue Ridge Shores (BRS) was originally part of the estate of Thomas Ellis, whose vast holdings by 1800 included a mill, cobbler's shop, wheelwright, blacksmith shop, general store, and boasted an efficient stage coach line to such destinations as Orange Springs and the University of Virginia.

The idea of creating a recreational and retirement development originated with Dr. I.E. Byrd, an educator from Washington, D.C.  He bought over 700 acres of land and planned an elaborate complex consisting of a hotel , golf course, shopping and dining facilities and well as an area for vacationers.  His dreams were larger than his funds, however, he was forced to abandon the project.  He sold the property by 1958 to the American Realty Corporation and within a year Blue Ridge Shores, Inc. (not to be confused with Blue Ridge Shores Property Owners Association) was formed.  By 1960 the first dam was built filling the lake, an office and a few cottages were built, and than advertising campaign started.  In April 1960 the present Blue Ridge Property Owners Association (BRPOA) was established with a three-person Board of Directors, the first act in the long process of disassociation from the realty company and becoming an independent community.  By 1963 control of the development was turned over to the new association by American Realty.  Many problems faced the fledgling community as they established a dues structure, repaired existing buildings and docks, and staffed administration and management positions.

August 1969 brought hurricane Camille that nearly destroyed the development.  Eleven inches of rain fell in a twelve hour period.  The dam collapsed draining the lake.  The Board of Directors immediately took steps to rebuild the dam, set up a fund to finance the project, and reassure residents about the future of the development.  The new dam was completed and dedicated on Memorial Day, 1970.

Two years later, Hurricane Agnes severely damaged the spillway.  The lake was lowered and repairs were made.  When another storm hi in October 1972, more damages were done but the reinforced spillway saved the lake.

In the succeeding years, we have experienced additional severe storms.  In June 1995, flooding caused extensive damage to the office complex, Marina, Community Center, bridge, and our water system pipeline.  BRS volunteers and private contractors repaired the damages.  Once again, the spillway and dam withstood the ravages of a storm that brought us over ten inches of rain in an eight hour time period.

Louisa County Churches and Schools

Churches

St James Episcopal Church
www.stjameslouisa.org
102 Ellisville Dr, Louisa - (540) 967-1665

Louisa United Methodist Church
www.geocities.com
100 E Main St, Louisa - (540) 967-2657

Louisa Presbyterian Church
www.louisapres.com
212 Church Ave, Louisa - (540) 967-3207

Macedonia United Methodist Ch 
2974 Courthouse Rd., Louisa, VA 540-967-2555

Waldrops Baptist Church 
868 Waldrop Church Rd., Louisa, VA 540-967-9727

Blue Ridge Shores Baptist Church 
1230 Firehouse Dr, Louisa, VA 540-967-0796

Gold Mine Baptist Church 
2039 Goldmine Rd., Louisa, VA 540-967-0099

Mount Zion Baptist Church
Louisa, VA 804-556-3124

Louisa County Government

Louisa County is governed by a seven-member Board of Supervisors, elected by citizens to serve four-year terms representing each of the County’s voting districts. The Board of Supervisors regularly meets on the first and third Monday of each month at 6:00 p.m. in the Public Meeting Room in the Louisa County Administration Building. The public is invited to speak during Citizens Information Period at the beginning of each meeting. Public hearings are scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m.

The Board of Supervisors is responsible for planning, developing and regulating growth throughout Louisa County, as well as maintaining current county operations and services. The Board is also responsible for setting tax rates and the county’s budget.

To assist the county, the Board of Supervisors appoints individuals (generally county residents) to various Commissions and Committees. These groups provide advisory support to the Board regarding numerous aspects of county government. 

To read and learn more about Louisa County visit: www.louisacounty.com

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LOUISA FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICES

                                    For Emergencies call 911

NON-EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION

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Realtors' Listing in Blue Ridge Shores

Blue Ridge Shores has prohibitted the use of real estate signs posted on properties for sale.  Instead, houses and property that is For Sale are identified by a number corresponding to the realtor listing the home or property.  For homeowners listing their own homes, look for #5.

For a complete list of Realtor / Agents and corresponding stake #, click here.

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