History of Lake Lanier

History of Lake Lanier: A Flooded Legacy Beneath the Waters

Lake Lanier, officially named Lake Sidney Lanier after the 19th-century Georgia poet, is one of the most visited lakes in the United States. But beneath its shimmering surface lies a rich, complex, and sometimes haunting history. From its construction as a massive man-made reservoir to the communities and landscapes submerged beneath its waters, the story of Lake Lanier is one of progress, sacrifice, and controversy.

Why Was Lake Lanier Created?

The idea of creating a reservoir along the Chattahoochee River emerged in the early 20th century as Atlanta and surrounding regions sought solutions for flood control, water supply, hydroelectric power, and navigation improvement. The catastrophic floods of the 1940s heightened the urgency for a project to regulate the river’s flow.

After years of planning, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was authorized by Congress to construct Buford Dam, which would impound the Chattahoochee River to create the reservoir. Construction of the dam began in 1950 and was completed in 1956. The resulting reservoir was named Lake Sidney Lanier, honoring the Georgia-born poet known for works inspired by Southern landscapes.

Flooding of the Valley

The creation of Lake Lanier required the flooding of more than 50,000 acres of land, including farms, forests, homes, businesses, churches, cemeteries, and entire towns. Communities such as Oscarville, a predominantly African American town, were displaced, their structures either demolished or left to be submerged under rising waters. Families were forced to sell their land to the government, many relocating to higher ground or other counties.

The Corps of Engineers undertook massive efforts to prepare the area before flooding: roads were rerouted, power lines were moved, bridges were dismantled or left underwater, and more than 250 cemeteries were relocated. However, some graves and structures were never moved, adding to local legends and stories of a "haunted" lake.

By 1957, the lake reached full pool, covering an area of 38,000 acres with over 692 miles of shoreline. What had once been a patchwork of rural communities was now a vast, winding reservoir stretching across five counties: Hall, Forsyth, Dawson, Gwinnett, and Lumpkin.

Buford Dam: Engineering Feat

At the heart of Lake Lanier’s creation stands Buford Dam, an impressive concrete structure 192 feet high and 2,360 feet long. It houses a hydroelectric power plant that began generating electricity in 1957, providing renewable energy to the region. The dam also plays a critical role in managing water flow downstream, reducing flooding risks and maintaining river navigation.

A Multipurpose Reservoir

Lake Lanier was designed as a multipurpose project:

Flood control: Reducing the risk of catastrophic flooding downstream along the Chattahoochee and Apalachicola Rivers.

Hydroelectric power: Generating electricity through Buford Dam’s turbines.

Water supply: Serving as a primary water source for over 5 million residents in the Atlanta metropolitan area.

Recreation: Providing boating, fishing, swimming, and other water sports for millions of visitors annually.

Growing Pains and Water Wars

As Atlanta’s population exploded in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, Lake Lanier became a focal point of regional water disputes, especially among Georgia, Alabama, and Florida. Known as the “Tri-State Water Wars,” this legal battle over water rights has lasted for decades. Each state depends on water from the Chattahoochee River system for drinking water, agriculture, industry, and ecological needs.

In 2009, a federal court ruled that metro Atlanta had little legal right to withdraw water from Lake Lanier, throwing the city’s future water supply into uncertainty. The ruling was later overturned, but the conflict over allocation of Lake Lanier’s water remains ongoing.

Legends and Ghost Stories

Beyond politics and engineering, Lake Lanier’s history has also given rise to local myths and ghost stories. Some believe the lake is cursed or haunted by the spirits of those who perished in boating accidents or by those displaced during its creation. Tales of strange underwater sightings, mysterious drownings, and submerged buildings have fueled its eerie reputation.

These stories are amplified by the fact that the remains of old roads, foundations, and bridges are still visible under the water during droughts or when the lake’s water levels recede. The skeletal outlines of once-thriving towns beneath the lake contribute to its mystique.

Today: A Vital Resource and Popular Destination

Despite its turbulent beginnings, Lake Lanier has become a beloved recreational destination. With more than 11 million visitors annually, it’s the most popular Corps-managed lake in the U.S. Boaters, anglers, campers, and vacationers flock to its shores, supporting a robust tourism economy.

Lake Lanier also remains a critical water source and flood control system for northern Georgia. Its importance has only grown as Atlanta’s population continues to rise, placing new demands on the lake’s resources.

Conclusion

The history of Lake Lanier is a story of ambition, sacrifice, controversy, and transformation. Beneath its tranquil waters lies a submerged landscape once filled with homes, schools, churches, and cemeteries—a reminder of the human cost of progress. Today, Lake Lanier stands as both a vital lifeline for Georgia and a fascinating symbol of the complex relationship between nature, engineering, and community.

Whether you’re boating across its sparkling surface or reflecting on the stories hidden below, Lake Lanier’s history adds depth and meaning to every visit.

Have you heard any legends about Lake Lanier? Share your thoughts or personal experiences in the comments below!