Community Development

Lake Lanier prompted a new era of development in north Georgia. First came vacation homes in choice lakeside lots around the reservoir. Next was an expanded road system, as well as restaurants and stores for the summer crowds. Over the years, the area was absorbed into metropolitan Atlanta. Now many people live year-round in bedroom communities around the lake.

Here is a historic timeline of Lake Sidney Lanier:

1946: The U.S. Congress authorizes the construction of Buford Dam on the Chattahoochee River.
1950: Construction on the dam begins.
1956: The dam is completed and Lake Lanier begins to fill.
1958: Lake Lanier reaches its full pool level.
1964: The first public boat ramps open on Lake Lanier.
1970: The Lake Lanier Islands Resort opens.
1976: The Lake Lanier Olympic Venue opens.
1996: The rowing and sprint canoe/kayak events for the 1996 Summer Olympics are held at the Lake Lanier Olympic Venue.
2007: A severe drought causes the water level in Lake Lanier to drop to its lowest level in history.
2009: The water level in Lake Lanier begins to recover from the drought.
2013: Lake Lanier reaches its full pool level for the first time since 2007.
2017: The Lake Lanier Olympic Venue is renovated and reopened to the public.
2022: Lake Lanier continues to be a popular destination for boating, fishing, swimming, and other recreational activities.
Lake Lanier is a significant part of the history and culture of Georgia. It is a popular destination for both locals and visitors, and it plays an important role in the economy of the state.