Lake Lanier History
- Lake Lanier was built over the course of 1950 to 1957, and reached “full pool” by August, 1958.
-It’s relatively well known that Lake Sidney Lanier is man-made, however, there’s a long history of lake culture in the area.
-There was a smaller lake on the Chattahoochee River before Lake Lanier. It was called Dunlap Dam and completed in 1908.
Reference: https://lakelanier.com/history/
Lake Lanier is almost entirely owned and operated by the Army Corp of Engineers (USACE), one of over 460 that the Corps operates across the United States. Georgia, Alabama, and Florida all have water rights to the supply, due to their location downstream from the reservoir.
Recreation Heaven
Lake Lanier is the best spot to relax outside of Atlanta. Even if you're not renting a jetski or boat, there are plenty of things to do. Check out the Twisted Oar, Pelican Petes, or Skogies further up the lake.
Lake Allatoona History
Another man made lake
Lake Allatoona is a man-made reservoir located in northern Georgia, United States. Its history dates back to the mid-20th century when it was created to provide hydroelectric power, water supply, and flood control for the surrounding region
Construction
Construction of the lake began in the early 1940s as part of a larger project known as the "Allatoona Project," which was a joint effort between the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Georgia Power Company. The project involved the construction of a dam on the Etowah River, which would create a 12,000-acre lake.
The construction of the dam was completed in 1949, and the lake began to fill with water. In 1950, the lake was officially dedicated and opened to the public for recreational activities. Over the years, the lake has become a popular destination for fishing, boating, swimming, and camping.
Hydroelectric Generators
In addition to its recreational uses, Lake Allatoona also serves important functions for the surrounding communities. The lake is used for hydroelectric power generation, and it provides drinking water for several cities and counties in the region. It also helps to control flooding in the area by regulating the flow of the Etowah River.
Today, Lake Allatoona is a significant landmark in northern Georgia, attracting thousands of visitors each year. It remains an important resource for the region, providing both recreational opportunities and essential services for the surrounding communities.