The Flood of 1916: How Lake Toxaway Vanished and Was Reborn

The Perfect Storm: Western North Carolina’s Historic Flood

In the summer of 1916, Lake Toxaway, one of the most ambitious resort projects in the Appalachian Mountains, faced an unprecedented natural disaster. A series of back-to-back storms, including multiple hurricanes, drenched Western North Carolina in relentless rainfall. By mid-August, after more than 20 inches of rain fell in less than 24 hours, the earthen dam that held the lake began to fail under immense pressure. Historic Toxaway Foundation

On August 13, 1916, the dam gave way. An estimated 5.3 billion gallons of water thundered down the Toxaway River, carving through forests, eroding the gorge, and scouring rocks downstream. The torrent was described as a 30-foot wall of water crashing toward South Carolina, leaving a dramatically altered landscape in its wake. Lake Toxaway

The Lake Vanishes Overnight: Immediate Impact and Empty Valley

With the dam’s collapse, the lake that had defined this mountain resort vanished almost instantly. What had once been a mile-wide body of water filled with boats and vacationers drained into a muddy, barren valley. Locals and guests alike watched as the lakebed emerged, leaving trails of silt and debris. Grand Olde Station

The Toxaway Inn, a luxurious five-story resort that attracted families such as the Vanderbilts and Henry Ford, was left without its defining feature. The lake’s disappearance meant the end of the resort’s appeal, and the inn closed its doors shortly after the disaster. Although the structure stood for decades afterward, it never reopened and was eventually dismantled. Grand Olde Station

The damage spread beyond just the resort. Local homes, farms, timber operations, and transportation infrastructure were all affected by the floodwaters and subsequent litigation over liability. Though there were few direct human fatalities attributed to the event, the economic and emotional impact rippled through the community. Transylvania County Library

Decades of Quiet: A Community Without a Lake

After the flood, Lake Toxaway entered a long period of decline. The once-bustling vacation destination became a quiet, almost ghostly landscape of dry riverbeds and abandoned dreams. For years, there were efforts and plans to rebuild the dam and restore the lake, but financial hurdles, including the Great Depression, stymied progress. Grand Olde Station

For nearly half a century, the former lakebed lay dormant. Locals returned to farming, logging, and the simple mountain life that predated the resort era. Without the lake, the community was forced to reinvent itself or fade into memory. Historic Toxaway Foundation

Legacy of Resilience: Rebirth and Revival

The story of Lake Toxaway did not end with the flood. In the late 1950s and early 1960s, a group of investors led by R.D. Heinitsh, Sr., purchased the land and began the monumental task of rebuilding the dam and refilling the lake. This effort marked the beginning of a new chapter — the rebirth of Lake Toxaway as a thriving community and scenic retreat. Lake Toxaway Community Association

Today, Lake Toxaway is once again a beloved destination known for its natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and quiet charm. While the scars of the 1916 flood are still evident in geological formations, such as the exposed granite at Toxaway Falls, the lake stands as a testament to the region’s resilience. greystoneinn.com

Remembering the Past, Celebrating the Present

At The Grand Olde Station, we honor this remarkable history, the visionaries who first created the lake, the devastating flood that reshaped the landscape, and the community that worked to restore and preserve this place we still cherish today. It’s a story of nature’s power and human resilience, and a reminder that even the most dramatic losses can sow the seeds of renewal and hope.

A Note of Gratitude

This historical reflection wouldn’t be possible without the research and preservation efforts of the Historic Toxaway Foundation. Their commitment to capturing and sharing the stories of this remarkable region helps keep Lake Toxaway’s legacy alive for generations to come.