Allatoona town was once a small mining community located in Bartow County, Georgia, United States. The town became a ghost town after it was flooded by waters from the nearby dam in the Etowah River.

Gold of Allatoona

The town of Allatoona was established in 1838 and gained popularity before the emergence of the American civil war. A major boost to the town’s existence was gold ores that were discovered in the area. As expected, miners migrated to this new location to exploit the gold riches. On top of that, there was also a silver mine nearby. This increased both the town’s popularity and population. Business opportunities were created when blacksmiths stores, small depots, and dry goods stores were opened in the region.  Social amenities sprang up and a small catholic church was established in 1910. The church played a role of a schoolhouse in the region before an actual schoolhouse was built. Years later, a new school was constructed near the railroad relieving the church from its multi-purpose role. One of the remarkable settlers of the historic town was John Clayton who owned several plantations around the area. Being rich and influential, he enslaved people to work in his plantations. A cemetery was also established near the church where most of the town’s founder members were buried. John Clayton was among the residents buried in the cemetery.

Destroyed by war

During the Battle of Atlanta, the Confederate army's commander, General Hood, and his troops were ordered to destroy the railroad through Allatoona. This was done to prevent General Sherman and his army of Northern troops from conquering all of the towns in the area. Clayton John's house was used as a hospital during the battle to treat injured Union army soldiers. The war lasted approximately 6 to 8 hours before the bloodshed ceased. After the war, Allatoona town was scheduled to be evacuated to allow for the construction of a dam. The dam was constructed on 8th February 1946 once the two World wars were in the town’s rearview. The damming of the river Etowah led to the positive development of the town further as it produced hydropower, supplied water for domestic and industrial purposes, and offered fish and wildlife management. All these positive effects were lost when Allatoona town was submerged by the waters of the newly constructed dam.

Allatoona Today

Allatoona town is still submerged in the river Etowah. During summer when the water levels recede, roofs of the town’s buildings can be seen. After the disaster, it took years of abandonment and lying in despair of the town until a local investor took an interest in the town. With the government’s permission, the townsite was converted into a recreational center with several beaches, cabins, and campgrounds. Allatoona is open for the general public to visit.