The Haunting History of Lake Lanier: Georgia’s Deadliest Attraction

Lake Lanier, Georgia’s largest lake, has long been shrouded in mystery and tragedy. Despite its picturesque appearance and reputation as a recreational hotspot, the lake’s dark history continues to haunt its waters.

Named after a confederate army soldier, Lake Lanier was created in the 1950s and has since been the site of numerous deaths and disappearances. The lake’s origins are steeped in a tragic past, with the area once being home to a thriving Black town called Oscarville. In 1912, a white woman was killed in the town, leading to a wave of white terrorism against the Black residents. The town was destroyed, and its history buried beneath the waters of Lake Lanier.

Since its opening to the public, Lake Lanier has claimed the lives of an estimated 700 people, making it one of the deadliest lakes in the nation. Drownings, boat fires, and mysterious disappearances have become all too common occurrences at the lake. In 2023 alone, 13 people lost their lives in the waters of Lake Lanier, far surpassing the death toll of Georgia’s second deadliest lake, Allatoona Lake.

Despite the warnings and the tragic history surrounding Lake Lanier, visitors continue to flock to its shores. The allure of the lake’s beauty is undeniable, but the dangers that lurk beneath its surface are very real. Whether you believe in the curse of Lake Lanier or not, one thing is certain – this is one Georgia attraction that demands caution and respect.