In 1956, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (the Corps) closed the gates of Buford Dam along the Chattahoochee River. Water slowly pooled behind the dam over the course of the next two years, forming Lake Sidney Lanier. The Chestatee River also fed into the reservoir, which grew to cover 38,000 acres in north Georgia. Originally constructed for flood control, hydroelectricity, and navigation, the lake is now known as a source of drinking water and a recreation destination.

For modern north Georgians, it is hard to imagine a time before Lake Lanier – but it was once a very different place. This is the story of that transformation, as told by people who lived through it.

Georgia Transmission Corporation (GTC) sponsored this oral history and website project for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Lake Lanier (Buford) Office. The effort was part of their Browns Bridge – Hammonds Crossing 115 kV Transmission Line project in Forsyth County, Georgia.

Oral History Interviews

Here, Cheryl Chesser and Wanda Blan tell how their younger brother was named Lanier.

        

Jerry Henderson: “Just having that view of the lake, it’s something that’s just peaceful. I think it does this area a lot of good, and, I mean, people from all points of life, they come here. And they have fishing or water skiing or sailing or some kind of boating. So you don’t have to go to the ocean. You got big water right here.”

Lake Sidney Lanier is a reservoir in the U.S. state of Georgia. It is located in the northeastern part of the state, in the Chattahoochee River basin. The lake was created by the construction of the Buford Dam on the Chattahoochee River in the late 1950s. Lake Lanier is a popular destination for recreation, including boating, fishing, swimming, and camping. The lake is also a major source of drinking water for the Atlanta metropolitan area. The Black history of Lake Lanier is a complex and often overlooked one. Before the lake was created, the land that is now submerged was home to several Black communities, including Oscarville, a thriving Black community that was founded in the late 1800s. In 1912, Oscarville was destroyed by a white mob, and its residents were forced to flee. The construction of Lake Lanier also displaced many other Black families and communities. The lake's creation led to the loss of thousands of acres of Black-owned land, and it also disrupted the lives of many Black people who lived in the area. The Black history of Lake Lanier is a reminder of the racial injustices that have been a part of American history. It is also a reminder of the resilience of the Black community, which has survived and thrived despite these injustices. In recent years, there has been a growing movement to recognize the Black history of Lake Lanier. In 2018, the Georgia General Assembly passed a resolution apologizing for the destruction of Oscarville. The resolution also called for the creation of a historical marker to commemorate the town's history. The Black history of Lake Lanier is an important part of the state's history. It is a history that should be remembered and celebrated
Community Leader Vernon Maddox with Historian Velma Fann
Brandon Hembree is the current mayor of Sugar Hill, Georgia. He was elected in 2017 and is serving his second term. Hembree is a Republican and a former member of the Georgia House of Representatives. Faith Meader is a historian and author who specializes in the history of Sugar Hill. She is the author of the book "Sugar Hill: A History." Meader is also a member of the Sugar Hill Historical Society. Hembree and Meader have worked together on a number of projects to preserve the history of Sugar Hill. They have worked to establish historical markers, develop educational programs, and promote the city's history. In 2018, Hembree and Meader worked together to establish a historical marker for the Shoal Creek Baptist Church. The church was a historic Black church that was destroyed when Lake Lanier was created. The marker is located on the shores of Lake Lanier. Hembree and Meader are also working to develop an educational program about the history of Sugar Hill. The program will be designed for students in grades K-12. The program will include a variety of activities, such as lectures, field trips, and art projects. Hembree and Meader are passionate about preserving the history of Sugar Hill. They believe that it is important to remember the past in order to understand the present. They are working to make the history of Sugar Hill accessible to everyone.
Sugar Hill Mayor Brandon Hembree with Historian Faith Meader

In 2022 and 2023, historians Faith Meader and Velma Fann from New South Associates interviewed a dozen current and former residents of the communities surrounding Lake Lanier. These oral histories capture the stories of families who lived in the area when Buford Dam was constructed, the people who helped build the dam and reservoir, and the ways that Lake Lanier has impacted lives and communities. The following people generously shared their stories.

Interviewees

Wanda Blan – Ms. Blan’s (b. 1948) father, Nelson Brogdon, was mayor of Sugar Hill from 1948-1954. She remembers touring the dam as a child, and one of her brothers was named “Lanier” because of the new lake. The oral history of Lake Sidney Lanier is a rich and varied one. The lake was created in the 1950s when the Buford Dam was built on the Chattahoochee River. The lake is located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and its scenic beauty makes it a popular tourist destination. The oral history of Lake Sidney Lanier is full of stories about the people who have lived and worked around the lake. There are stories about the families who were forced to leave their homes when the lake was created. There are stories about the construction workers who built the dam and the lake. There are stories about the fishermen who have caught record-breaking fish in the lake. There are stories about the boaters who have enjoyed the lake's many coves and inlets. There are stories about the swimmers who have cooled off in the lake's cool waters. There are stories about the campers who have enjoyed the lake's many campgrounds. There are stories about the hikers who have explored the lake's many trails. There are stories about the musicians who have performed at the lake's many festivals. There are stories about the artists who have painted the lake's many landscapes. There are stories about the writers who have written about the lake's many stories. The oral history of Lake Sidney Lanier is a living history. It is a history that is constantly being added to and revised. It is a history that is full of stories about the people who have made the lake their home. It is a history that is full of stories about the people who have enjoyed the lake's many recreational opportunities. It is a history that is full of stories about the people who have been inspired by the lake's beauty. The oral history of Lake Sidney Lanier is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the lake. It is a resource that is full of stories about the people who have made the lake their home, the people who have enjoyed the lake's many recreational opportunities, and the people who have been inspired by the lake's beauty.

Wanda Blan – Ms. Blan’s (b. 1948) father, Nelson Brogdon, was mayor of Sugar Hill from 1948-1954. She remembers touring the dam as a child, and one of her brothers was named “Lanier” because of the new lake.

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Cheryl Chesser – Ms. Chesser (b. 1946) is also one of Nelson’s Brogdon’s daughters. She remembers the dam project and how life changed in the area after the lake filled and brought new visitors and residents The oral history of Lake Sidney Lanier is a rich and varied one. The lake was created in the 1950s when the Buford Dam was built on the Chattahoochee River. The lake is located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and its scenic beauty makes it a popular tourist destination. The oral history of Lake Sidney Lanier is full of stories about the people who have lived and worked around the lake. There are stories about the families who were forced to leave their homes when the lake was created. There are stories about the construction workers who built the dam and the lake. There are stories about the fishermen who have caught record-breaking fish in the lake. There are stories about the boaters who have enjoyed the lake's many coves and inlets. There are stories about the swimmers who have cooled off in the lake's cool waters. There are stories about the campers who have enjoyed the lake's many campgrounds. There are stories about the hikers who have explored the lake's many trails. There are stories about the musicians who have performed at the lake's many festivals. There are stories about the artists who have painted the lake's many landscapes. There are stories about the writers who have written about the lake's many stories. The oral history of Lake Sidney Lanier is a living history. It is a history that is constantly being added to and revised. It is a history that is full of stories about the people who have made the lake their home. It is a history that is full of stories about the people who have enjoyed the lake's many recreational opportunities. It is a history that is full of stories about the people who have been inspired by the lake's beauty. The oral history of Lake Sidney Lanier is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the lake. It is a resource that is full of stories about the people who have made the lake their home, the people who have enjoyed the lake's many recreational opportunities, and the people who have been inspired by the lake's beauty.

Cheryl Chesser – Ms. Chesser (b. 1946) is also one of Nelson’s Brogdon’s daughters. She remembers the dam project and how life changed in the area after the lake filled and brought new visitors and residents.

Click Here to See Interview Clip

Robert David Coughlin – Mr. Coughlin works at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Lanier Project Management Office and wrote Lake Sidney Lanier, “A Storybook Site”: The Early History & Construction of Buford Dam. He formerly worked with the engineers who helped build the dam and used the Corps’ photographs and records on the project in his book. The oral history of Lake Sidney Lanier is a rich and varied one. The lake was created in the 1950s when the Buford Dam was built on the Chattahoochee River. The lake is located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and its scenic beauty makes it a popular tourist destination. The oral history of Lake Sidney Lanier is full of stories about the people who have lived and worked around the lake. There are stories about the families who were forced to leave their homes when the lake was created. There are stories about the construction workers who built the dam and the lake. There are stories about the fishermen who have caught record-breaking fish in the lake. There are stories about the boaters who have enjoyed the lake's many coves and inlets. There are stories about the swimmers who have cooled off in the lake's cool waters. There are stories about the campers who have enjoyed the lake's many campgrounds. There are stories about the hikers who have explored the lake's many trails. There are stories about the musicians who have performed at the lake's many festivals. There are stories about the artists who have painted the lake's many landscapes. There are stories about the writers who have written about the lake's many stories. The oral history of Lake Sidney Lanier is a living history. It is a history that is constantly being added to and revised. It is a history that is full of stories about the people who have made the lake their home. It is a history that is full of stories about the people who have enjoyed the lake's many recreational opportunities. It is a history that is full of stories about the people who have been inspired by the lake's beauty. The oral history of Lake Sidney Lanier is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the lake. It is a resource that is full of stories about the people who have made the lake their home, the people who have enjoyed the lake's many recreational opportunities, and the people who have been inspired by the lake's beauty.

Robert David Coughlin – Mr. Coughlin works at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Lanier Project Management Office and wrote Lake Sidney Lanier, “A Storybook Site”: The Early History & Construction of Buford Dam. He formerly worked with the engineers who helped build the dam and used the Corps’ photographs and records on the project in his book.

Click Here to See Interview Clip

Brandon Hembree – Mr. Hembree is the mayor of Sugar Hill, Georgia. Although he was born after the dam project and is originally from the Atlanta area, he helped to create the Sugar Hill Preservation Society and Sugar Hill History Museum, which tells the story of Buford Dam and Lake Lanier. The oral history of Lake Sidney Lanier is a rich and varied one. The lake was created in the 1950s when the Buford Dam was built on the Chattahoochee River. The lake is located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and its scenic beauty makes it a popular tourist destination. The oral history of Lake Sidney Lanier is full of stories about the people who have lived and worked around the lake. There are stories about the families who were forced to leave their homes when the lake was created. There are stories about the construction workers who built the dam and the lake. There are stories about the fishermen who have caught record-breaking fish in the lake. There are stories about the boaters who have enjoyed the lake's many coves and inlets. There are stories about the swimmers who have cooled off in the lake's cool waters. There are stories about the campers who have enjoyed the lake's many campgrounds. There are stories about the hikers who have explored the lake's many trails. There are stories about the musicians who have performed at the lake's many festivals. There are stories about the artists who have painted the lake's many landscapes. There are stories about the writers who have written about the lake's many stories. The oral history of Lake Sidney Lanier is a living history. It is a history that is constantly being added to and revised. It is a history that is full of stories about the people who have made the lake their home. It is a history that is full of stories about the people who have enjoyed the lake's many recreational opportunities. It is a history that is full of stories about the people who have been inspired by the lake's beauty. The oral history of Lake Sidney Lanier is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the lake. It is a resource that is full of stories about the people who have made the lake their home, the people who have enjoyed the lake's many recreational opportunities, and the people who have been inspired by the lake's beauty.

Brandon Hembree – Mr. Hembree is the mayor of Sugar Hill, Georgia. Although he was born after the dam project and is originally from the Atlanta area, he helped to create the Sugar Hill Preservation Society and Sugar Hill History Museum, which tells the story of Buford Dam and Lake Lanier.

Click Here to See Interview Clip

Jerry Henderson – Mr. Henderson (b. 1945), a real estate agent, has lived in Forsyth County his whole life. Grandparents on both sides of his family owned the land in between Young Deer Creek and Bald Ridge Creek, which is now part of Lake Lanier. He remembers when his family’s land was purchased for the creation of the reservoir. The oral history of Lake Sidney Lanier is a rich and varied one. The lake was created in the 1950s when the Buford Dam was built on the Chattahoochee River. The lake is located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and its scenic beauty makes it a popular tourist destination. The oral history of Lake Sidney Lanier is full of stories about the people who have lived and worked around the lake. There are stories about the families who were forced to leave their homes when the lake was created. There are stories about the construction workers who built the dam and the lake. There are stories about the fishermen who have caught record-breaking fish in the lake. There are stories about the boaters who have enjoyed the lake's many coves and inlets. There are stories about the swimmers who have cooled off in the lake's cool waters. There are stories about the campers who have enjoyed the lake's many campgrounds. There are stories about the hikers who have explored the lake's many trails. There are stories about the musicians who have performed at the lake's many festivals. There are stories about the artists who have painted the lake's many landscapes. There are stories about the writers who have written about the lake's many stories. The oral history of Lake Sidney Lanier is a living history. It is a history that is constantly being added to and revised. It is a history that is full of stories about the people who have made the lake their home. It is a history that is full of stories about the people who have enjoyed the lake's many recreational opportunities. It is a history that is full of stories about the people who have been inspired by the lake's beauty. The oral history of Lake Sidney Lanier is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the lake. It is a resource that is full of stories about the people who have made the lake their home, the people who have enjoyed the lake's many recreational opportunities, and the people who have been inspired by the lake's beauty.

Jerry Henderson – Mr. Henderson (b. 1945), a real estate agent, has lived in Forsyth County his whole life. Grandparents on both sides of his family owned the land in between Young Deer Creek and Bald Ridge Creek, which is now part of Lake Lanier. He remembers when his family’s land was purchased for the creation of the reservoir.

Click Here to See Interview Clip

Wayne Hill – Mr. Hill (b. 1942) is the former Gwinnett County Commissioner. The F. Wayne Hill Water Resources Center on Lake Lanier, which treats the lake water, is named after him. He grew up in Sugar Hill and spent his youth fishing, boating, and camping on Lake Lanier. The oral history of Lake Sidney Lanier is a rich and varied one. The lake was created in the 1950s when the Buford Dam was built on the Chattahoochee River. The lake is located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and its scenic beauty makes it a popular tourist destination. The oral history of Lake Sidney Lanier is full of stories about the people who have lived and worked around the lake. There are stories about the families who were forced to leave their homes when the lake was created. There are stories about the construction workers who built the dam and the lake. There are stories about the fishermen who have caught record-breaking fish in the lake. There are stories about the boaters who have enjoyed the lake's many coves and inlets. There are stories about the swimmers who have cooled off in the lake's cool waters. There are stories about the campers who have enjoyed the lake's many campgrounds. There are stories about the hikers who have explored the lake's many trails. There are stories about the musicians who have performed at the lake's many festivals. There are stories about the artists who have painted the lake's many landscapes. There are stories about the writers who have written about the lake's many stories. The oral history of Lake Sidney Lanier is a living history. It is a history that is constantly being added to and revised. It is a history that is full of stories about the people who have made the lake their home. It is a history that is full of stories about the people who have enjoyed the lake's many recreational opportunities. It is a history that is full of stories about the people who have been inspired by the lake's beauty. The oral history of Lake Sidney Lanier is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the lake. It is a resource that is full of stories about the people who have made the lake their home, the people who have enjoyed the lake's many recreational opportunities, and the people who have been inspired by the lake's beauty.

Wayne Hill – Mr. Hill (b. 1942) is the former Gwinnett County Commissioner. The F. Wayne Hill Water Resources Center on Lake Lanier, which treats the lake water, is named after him. He grew up in Sugar Hill and spent his youth fishing, boating, and camping on Lake Lanier.

Click Here to See Interview Clip

Martha McConnell – Ms. McConnell (b. 1948), a retired mail carrier, is the co-president of the Historical Society of Cumming/Forsyth County. She recalls the dam project and her teenage years spent on Lake Lanier. The oral history of Lake Sidney Lanier is a rich and varied one. The lake was created in the 1950s when the Buford Dam was built on the Chattahoochee River. The lake is located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and its scenic beauty makes it a popular tourist destination. The oral history of Lake Sidney Lanier is full of stories about the people who have lived and worked around the lake. There are stories about the families who were forced to leave their homes when the lake was created. There are stories about the construction workers who built the dam and the lake. There are stories about the fishermen who have caught record-breaking fish in the lake. There are stories about the boaters who have enjoyed the lake's many coves and inlets. There are stories about the swimmers who have cooled off in the lake's cool waters. There are stories about the campers who have enjoyed the lake's many campgrounds. There are stories about the hikers who have explored the lake's many trails. There are stories about the musicians who have performed at the lake's many festivals. There are stories about the artists who have painted the lake's many landscapes. There are stories about the writers who have written about the lake's many stories. The oral history of Lake Sidney Lanier is a living history. It is a history that is constantly being added to and revised. It is a history that is full of stories about the people who have made the lake their home. It is a history that is full of stories about the people who have enjoyed the lake's many recreational opportunities. It is a history that is full of stories about the people who have been inspired by the lake's beauty. The oral history of Lake Sidney Lanier is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the lake. It is a resource that is full of stories about the people who have made the lake their home, the people who have enjoyed the lake's many recreational opportunities, and the people who have been inspired by the lake's beauty.

Martha McConnell – Ms. McConnell (b. 1948), a retired mail carrier, is the co-president of the Historical Society of Cumming/Forsyth County. She recalls the dam project and her teenage years spent on Lake Lanier.

Click Here to See Interview Clip

Vernon Maddox – Mr. Maddox (b. 1937) was born and raised in Buford, Gwinnett County. He is a Past Master of Chattahoochee Masonic Lodge #31, which shared a building with Spencer Hill Baptist Church in Hall County. Burials at Spencer Hill Cemetery were removed and reinterred when the area was flooded for Lake Lanier.  The oral history of Lake Sidney Lanier is a rich and varied one. The lake was created in the 1950s when the Buford Dam was built on the Chattahoochee River. The lake is located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and its scenic beauty makes it a popular tourist destination. The oral history of Lake Sidney Lanier is full of stories about the people who have lived and worked around the lake. There are stories about the families who were forced to leave their homes when the lake was created. There are stories about the construction workers who built the dam and the lake. There are stories about the fishermen who have caught record-breaking fish in the lake. There are stories about the boaters who have enjoyed the lake's many coves and inlets. There are stories about the swimmers who have cooled off in the lake's cool waters. There are stories about the campers who have enjoyed the lake's many campgrounds. There are stories about the hikers who have explored the lake's many trails. There are stories about the musicians who have performed at the lake's many festivals. There are stories about the artists who have painted the lake's many landscapes. There are stories about the writers who have written about the lake's many stories. The oral history of Lake Sidney Lanier is a living history. It is a history that is constantly being added to and revised. It is a history that is full of stories about the people who have made the lake their home. It is a history that is full of stories about the people who have enjoyed the lake's many recreational opportunities. It is a history that is full of stories about the people who have been inspired by the lake's beauty. The oral history of Lake Sidney Lanier is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the lake. It is a resource that is full of stories about the people who have made the lake their home, the people who have enjoyed the lake's many recreational opportunities, and the people who have been inspired by the lake's beauty.

Vernon Maddox – Mr. Maddox (b. 1937) was born and raised in Buford, Gwinnett County. He is a Past Master of Chattahoochee Masonic Lodge #31, which shared a building with Spencer Hill Baptist Church in Hall County. Burials at Spencer Hill Cemetery were removed and reinterred when the area was flooded for Lake Lanier. 

Click Here to See Interview Clip

Alan Wayne – Mr. Wayne (b. 1942) lives along Lake Lanier in Flowery Branch. His father and uncle started Aqualand Marina in 1958, and Mr. Wayne ran the marina until 1998. Some of his grandparents’ land was purchased by the Corps prior to the filling of Lake Lanier. The oral history of Lake Sidney Lanier is a rich and varied one. The lake was created in the 1950s when the Buford Dam was built on the Chattahoochee River. The lake is located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and its scenic beauty makes it a popular tourist destination. The oral history of Lake Sidney Lanier is full of stories about the people who have lived and worked around the lake. There are stories about the families who were forced to leave their homes when the lake was created. There are stories about the construction workers who built the dam and the lake. There are stories about the fishermen who have caught record-breaking fish in the lake. There are stories about the boaters who have enjoyed the lake's many coves and inlets. There are stories about the swimmers who have cooled off in the lake's cool waters. There are stories about the campers who have enjoyed the lake's many campgrounds. There are stories about the hikers who have explored the lake's many trails. There are stories about the musicians who have performed at the lake's many festivals. There are stories about the artists who have painted the lake's many landscapes. There are stories about the writers who have written about the lake's many stories. The oral history of Lake Sidney Lanier is a living history. It is a history that is constantly being added to and revised. It is a history that is full of stories about the people who have made the lake their home. It is a history that is full of stories about the people who have enjoyed the lake's many recreational opportunities. It is a history that is full of stories about the people who have been inspired by the lake's beauty. The oral history of Lake Sidney Lanier is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the lake. It is a resource that is full of stories about the people who have made the lake their home, the people who have enjoyed the lake's many recreational opportunities, and the people who have been inspired by the lake's beauty.

Alan Wayne – Mr. Wayne (b. 1942) lives along Lake Lanier in Flowery Branch. His father and uncle started Aqualand Marina in 1958, and Mr. Wayne ran the marina until 1998. Some of his grandparents’ land was purchased by the Corps prior to the filling of Lake Lanier.

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George Pirkle – Mr. Pirkle (b. 1947) grew up in Cumming and remembers the dam construction and lake filling. He serves on the board of the Historical Society of Cumming/Forsyth County as a historian. The oral history of Lake Sidney Lanier is a rich and varied one. The lake was created in the 1950s when the Buford Dam was built on the Chattahoochee River. The lake is located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and its scenic beauty makes it a popular tourist destination. The oral history of Lake Sidney Lanier is full of stories about the people who have lived and worked around the lake. There are stories about the families who were forced to leave their homes when the lake was created. There are stories about the construction workers who built the dam and the lake. There are stories about the fishermen who have caught record-breaking fish in the lake. There are stories about the boaters who have enjoyed the lake's many coves and inlets. There are stories about the swimmers who have cooled off in the lake's cool waters. There are stories about the campers who have enjoyed the lake's many campgrounds. There are stories about the hikers who have explored the lake's many trails. There are stories about the musicians who have performed at the lake's many festivals. There are stories about the artists who have painted the lake's many landscapes. There are stories about the writers who have written about the lake's many stories. The oral history of Lake Sidney Lanier is a living history. It is a history that is constantly being added to and revised. It is a history that is full of stories about the people who have made the lake their home. It is a history that is full of stories about the people who have enjoyed the lake's many recreational opportunities. It is a history that is full of stories about the people who have been inspired by the lake's beauty. The oral history of Lake Sidney Lanier is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the lake. It is a resource that is full of stories about the people who have made the lake their home, the people who have enjoyed the lake's many recreational opportunities, and the people who have been inspired by the lake's beauty.

George Pirkle – Mr. Pirkle (b. 1947) grew up in Cumming and remembers the dam construction and lake filling. He serves on the board of the Historical Society of Cumming/Forsyth County as a historian.

Click Here to See Interview Clip

Virginia Saine – Ms. Saine (b. 1943) lived in Buford when the dam was built and recalls visiting the dam when it was under construction. The oral history of Lake Sidney Lanier is a rich and varied one. The lake was created in the 1950s when the Buford Dam was built on the Chattahoochee River. The lake is located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and its scenic beauty makes it a popular tourist destination. The oral history of Lake Sidney Lanier is full of stories about the people who have lived and worked around the lake. There are stories about the families who were forced to leave their homes when the lake was created. There are stories about the construction workers who built the dam and the lake. There are stories about the fishermen who have caught record-breaking fish in the lake. There are stories about the boaters who have enjoyed the lake's many coves and inlets. There are stories about the swimmers who have cooled off in the lake's cool waters. There are stories about the campers who have enjoyed the lake's many campgrounds. There are stories about the hikers who have explored the lake's many trails. There are stories about the musicians who have performed at the lake's many festivals. There are stories about the artists who have painted the lake's many landscapes. There are stories about the writers who have written about the lake's many stories. The oral history of Lake Sidney Lanier is a living history. It is a history that is constantly being added to and revised. It is a history that is full of stories about the people who have made the lake their home. It is a history that is full of stories about the people who have enjoyed the lake's many recreational opportunities. It is a history that is full of stories about the people who have been inspired by the lake's beauty. The oral history of Lake Sidney Lanier is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the lake. It is a resource that is full of stories about the people who have made the lake their home, the people who have enjoyed the lake's many recreational opportunities, and the people who have been inspired by the lake's beauty.

Virginia Saine – Ms. Saine (b. 1943) lived in Buford when the dam was built and recalls visiting the dam when it was under construction.

Click Here to See Interview Clip

Betty Jean Terrell – Ms. Terrell (b. 1933) grew up in Sugar Hill. Her father was the first mayor pro tem of Sugar Hill, and she donated a granite core from the dam construction to the Sugar Hill History Museum. The oral history of Lake Sidney Lanier is a rich and varied one. The lake was created in the 1950s when the Buford Dam was built on the Chattahoochee River. The lake is located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and its scenic beauty makes it a popular tourist destination. The oral history of Lake Sidney Lanier is full of stories about the people who have lived and worked around the lake. There are stories about the families who were forced to leave their homes when the lake was created. There are stories about the construction workers who built the dam and the lake. There are stories about the fishermen who have caught record-breaking fish in the lake. There are stories about the boaters who have enjoyed the lake's many coves and inlets. There are stories about the swimmers who have cooled off in the lake's cool waters. There are stories about the campers who have enjoyed the lake's many campgrounds. There are stories about the hikers who have explored the lake's many trails. There are stories about the musicians who have performed at the lake's many festivals. There are stories about the artists who have painted the lake's many landscapes. There are stories about the writers who have written about the lake's many stories. The oral history of Lake Sidney Lanier is a living history. It is a history that is constantly being added to and revised. It is a history that is full of stories about the people who have made the lake their home. It is a history that is full of stories about the people who have enjoyed the lake's many recreational opportunities. It is a history that is full of stories about the people who have been inspired by the lake's beauty. The oral history of Lake Sidney Lanier is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the lake. It is a resource that is full of stories about the people who have made the lake their home, the people who have enjoyed the lake's many recreational opportunities, and the people who have been inspired by the lake's beauty.

Betty Jean Terrell – Ms. Terrell (b. 1933) grew up in Sugar Hill. Her father was the first mayor pro tem of Sugar Hill, and she donated a granite core from the dam construction to the Sugar Hill History Museum.

Click Here to See Interview Clip