Smith Lake, The Lake That Buried A Town
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Smith Lake, The Lake That Buried A Town

The Lewis Smith Lake and Dam is one of Alabama's creepiest lakes to go out on, and one of it's most dangerous as well.

31683
smith lake in alabama

In 1957 the Alabama Power Company started construction in Fall's City, which is now known as Smith Lake and dam. Alabama Power created the dam to be 2,200 feet long and 300 feet tall, and its purpose was to generate hydroelectricity, improve water traffic conditions and create recreational opportunities. This 22,100-acre lake is located in North Central Alabama, and its history is quite spooky.

When Alabama Power began to fill the lake they drowned an entire town, the town of Fall's City. Fall's City was very small and in 1953 the post office was abolished, just 100 years after establishment. This area was farmland, owned by the same families for many generations who were bought out by the power company. But there was more than just empty farmland, there were trees, houses, barns and (mostly) empty cars.

The sight for the dam was so massive that they moved 78 bodies from 4 different cemeteries, the rest are still under the water. In December 1961 the lake filled rapidly thanks to weeks of rain and soon the farmland diminished and the town was buried.


Before the Flood


What makes Smith Lake creepy? In some parts the water gets as deep as 264 feet, leaving all of those trees standing tall and unmoved, they have petrified under the water and still have their leaves and branches. There is a local legend of a man going out to buy bread and milk who never returned, in 2007 his car was pulled from the lake and he was persevered inside of it along with his wallet and other personal items. There are several missing persons due to the depth of the lake, the trees at the bottom hide many secrets and divers are often unable to uncover them.

Smith Lake is a very popular spot for water activities such as jet-skiing, boating, tubing and fishing, but its sudden drop-offs in the water make it incredibly dangerous for anyone out on the water. Fatal accidents on this lake lead to bodies missing for days, weeks and close to months because of it's depth.

There is a lot about Smith Lake that has not been uncovered, and maybe it never will be, for this job seems too dangerous for even the pros to handle.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

71006
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

132580
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments