Georgia is a state with a rich and diverse history, but also a state with some dark and disturbing secrets. One of these secrets lies beneath the surface of one of the largest man-made lakes in the country: Lake Lanier.
This lake, which covers over 38,000 acres and has 692 miles of shoreline, was created in the 1950s by flooding several valley communities that contained a cemetery, a prison farm, and other structures. The result is a haunted lake that has claimed the lives of hundreds of people and is said to be the home of restless spirits, mysterious creatures, and eerie phenomena.
The Creation of Lake Lanier
Lake Lanier was built by the US Army Corps of Engineers as a hydroelectric project to provide power and water to Atlanta and surrounding counties. The project involved building a dam on the Chattahoochee River and flooding the land upstream.
The government bought the land from hundreds of families, many of whom had lived there for generations and were reluctant to sell. Some of them were forced to leave their homes and farms, while others were given inadequate compensation for their property.
The government also relocated more than 20 cemeteries, but some graves were left behind or unmarked. The construction of the lake took five years, from 1948 to 1953, and submerged more than 50,000 acres of land, including the towns of Oscarville, Gainesville, and Dunlap.
The Hauntings of Lake Lanier
Ever since the lake was filled, there have been reports of strange and paranormal activity on and around it. Some of the most common stories include:
The ghost of a young woman in a blue dress who wanders the lake at night, looking for her lover who drowned in a boating accident. She is said to be the spirit of Delia Parker Young, who disappeared in 1958 after her car plunged into the lake. Her body was found 18 months later, but her companion, Susie Roberts, was not recovered until 1990, when the car was finally located.
The phantom arms that grab swimmers and pull them underwater, sometimes with fatal results. Some people believe these are the arms of the drowned victims of the lake, or the angry spirits of the displaced residents who want to take revenge on the living.
The mysterious creatures that lurk in the depths of the lake, such as a giant catfish that can swallow a human whole, or a Loch Ness-like monster that has been spotted by several witnesses. Some people think these are the result of genetic mutations caused by the pollution of the lake, or the remnants of the wildlife that was trapped under the water.
The eerie phenomena that occur on the surface of the lake, such as sudden fog, whirlpools, and unexplained waves. Some people attribute these to the natural forces of the lake, such as the wind, the currents, and the temperature changes, but others suspect they are the signs of supernatural activity.
The Dangers of Lake Lanier
Lake Lanier is not only haunted, but also dangerous. The lake has a reputation for being one of the deadliest in the country, with more than 200 fatalities reported since 1994. Some of the reasons for this high death toll are:
The uneven and unpredictable terrain of the lake bottom, which is littered with debris, trees, and structures from the flooded towns. This creates hazards for boaters, divers, and swimmers, who can get entangled, injured, or trapped.
The poor visibility and water quality of the lake, which is affected by the sediment, algae, and pollution. This makes it hard to see what is below the surface, or to find and recover bodies.
The overcrowding and recklessness of the lake users, who often disregard the safety rules and regulations. The lake attracts millions of visitors every year, who come for recreational activities such as fishing, skiing, tubing, and jet skiing. However, some of them are inexperienced, intoxicated, or irresponsible, and cause accidents or conflicts with other users.
The Conclusion
Lake Lanier is a popular destination for many Georgians, who enjoy its scenic beauty and recreational opportunities. However, it is also a haunted and dangerous place, with a tragic and terrifying history. The stories of the lake’s ghosts, creatures, and phenomena may be legends, myths, or urban legends, but they reflect the reality of the lake’s past and present. Lake Lanier is a lake with a dark and deadly secret, and one that should be respected and feared.