Photograph of Construction in progress on Buford Dam

In Forsyth county, the Buford Dam was completed in 1957 and created Lake Lanier and flowed into Forsyth and Hall counties. The dam was a political accomplishment, supported by Atlanta mayor William B. Hartsfield and newly elected Governor Talmadge for its benefits, such as flood control and water supplies. Moreover, technological advances made the engineering of this dam possible and successful. Lake Lanier would go on to be used not only for practical concerns, but also for enjoyment. It is frequently used for water sports and in 1996, it held the rowing, canoeing, and kayaking Olympic competitions. 

Photograph of construction on Buford Dam,
Photograph of construction on Buford Dam, Forsyth County, Georgia, ca. 1950-1953. From the Georgia Archives Vanishing Georgia Collection. hal386

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