Low lake level brings parts of 'Old Gainesville' back to the surface

GAINESVILLE - A large part of Hall County has been underwater since 1957 when the gates at Buford Dam were closed and water from the Chattahoochee River backed up, creating what is now Lake Lanier. And, much of what remains that was covered by water is now resurfacing because of the drought.

One of the most visible is the grandstand of the old Hall County Race Track. You can see it, protruding out of the water along a walking trail at Laurel park. Just across the lake at the bottom of Old Cleveland Highway, you can find the foundation of a filling station, complete with grease pit.

As of Sunday morning, the level of the lake was 1055.27, which is 15.73 feet below full pool.

http://accesswdun.com/article/2007/11/203673