User:Hamm9/sandbox

Lake Hartwell

There is already information on the Lake Hartwell page on this section so I will probably not change any of that information.

Sunset on the Lake with Portman Shoals Marina in the distance.

Background

• Early History (History page on CORPS)
• Nancy Hart. Nancy Hart lived in the Georgia frontier, and it was her devotion to freedom that has helped make her name commonplace in the Georgia upcountry today. A county, city, lake, state park and highway among others, bear her name. She married Benjamin Hart and moved to South Carolina where they parented a healthy family of eight children. It is difficult to know the truth about Nancy because there are many myths, hearsay, exaggeration and some imagination in stories that have been told about her. She was about 6 feet tall, could handle an axe or musket and wasn’t afraid to use them, but above all she loved her freedom. Many stories have been told about this famous Revolutionary War heroine, and it with good reason that her name has become commonplace in land of her adventure.
• interesting facts about the history of the lake
• 2 Challenges. The first challenge was in August 1956 when Mrs. Eliza Brock and her daughter refused to allow workmen to come on their property to begin clearing for the reservoir area. This involved 103 acres of land that the government gained ownership of in June of 1956. Apparently Mrs. Brock never received the offer for her land therefore refusing to allow them on her property. After delaying Mrs. Brock eventually settled on $6,850 for her property. The next challenge took place in late 1956 when Clemson College objected to the damage that would be done to its property as a result of the impounded water in the reservoir. After countless meetings Clemson finally settled on an agreement where two diversion dams would be built in the vicinity of Clemson College and rechannel the Seneca River.

Recreation

• Swimming. The lake is suitable for swimming but there are been over 200 deaths in the lake through the years.
• Boating. Boating is a huge part of the recreation side of Lake Hartwell. There are about 5 marinas along the lake including, Clemson Marina, Big Water Marina, Harbor Light Marina, Hartwell Marina, and Portman Marina. Also along the lake are many boat ramps.
• Water Sports. The Lake is a venue for a variety of sports such as tubing, waterskiing, and wake boarding.
• Wildlife . There are more than 250 species of birds and 40 different mammals around Lake Hartwell. In addition there are numerous aquatic, reptile and amphibian species there too. Some wildlife you may find includes – wood ducks, chickadees, blue birds, screech owls, flying squirrels, wild turkeys, snakes, raccoons, and the great blue heron. Occasionally you may see a deer swimming across the water or drinking at the shore, or even black bears have been spotted on the lake.
• Fishing. Hartwell is home to many different types of fish including largemouth bass, bream, striped and hybrid bass, crappie, white bass, trout, and walleye.
• Camp Ground. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers manages 9 campgrounds at Lake Hartwell with a total of 524 campsites. Many of the campgrounds into restrooms, showers, boat ramps, playgrounds, electric and water hook ups, courtesy docks, group camping, and designated swimming areas.
• Biking Trails. Corps opened a new biking trail at Lake Hartwell The Corps of Engineers Lake Hartwell office partnered with the Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association (SORBA) to build a 7.6-mile multi-purpose trail at the Paynes Creek Campground area.

Places to Visit

• Issaqueena Dam. To find the Dam head north on the Keowee River, past Clemson, and you will take a right turn into this "magical cove" that contains a waterfall. It is about 25 feet tall and 150 feet wide overflow out of Lake Issaqueena into Lake Hartwell. Many people will drive or park their boats and hike around this area on a pretty day. Regardless of all the danger signs, people insist on sliding down the waterfall into the lake. Wear a lifejacket though because some tragedies have happened here before.
• Eighteen Mile Creek. Eighteen Mile Creek is not quite eighteen miles long, but it is a nice curvy and narrow waterway. It is off of the Seneca River at buoy marker S-42. It is well known for among fishermen and birds. The curvy waterway goes for about five miles and ends in a big shallow area and an old bridge with lots of birds and wildlife.
• Rock Quarry. This is another unique spot that not to many people know about, but it is a fun place to spend a hot summer afternoon. There are several rocks that overhang to leap from. The height of the rocks vary with the changing lake levels. Some areas within this cove are shallower than others to be careful with jumping off the rocks.
• Ghost Island. This is the largest island, heading toward Portman Marina from Oconee Point. When looking at the island search for the highest point, you can simply look for the tallest trees on the center of the island. Start hiking to this point and you may find as many as fifty grave headstones. Many of the stone are very small and cannot be read due to age and years of weather. There are several tomb-like, above ground concrete vaults with markers identifying the graves from the War of 1812. There are other graves from the 1700's. It looks like it could of been an old home place or church but the only thing left were the graves. Many people camp on this island unaware of their company.
• Andersonville Island. Andersonville was once a well known port and resort town with a barge system that traveled daily to Savanna, Ga. For many years this town flourished and had many businesses, factories, and tourists would come from all around. Andersonville was said to be as large as Anderson or Pendleton, but all that is left is a large island nearly 400 acres in size. It is by far the largest island on the lake, between two and three miles long. It has a paved road that stretches from one side to the other but is grown over now. On the island one can find anything from building ruins, to artifacts, to rare plants and wildlife.
• Clemson Football. Clemson football games have always been a draw of boaters on Lake Hartwell. The University and stadium tower over the lake. During football season, boats from all over the lake travel up the Seneca River to come watch the games. You can park your boat on the left side of the long earth dike and walk up the hill to the famous Esso Club or to the game.

Spots/Restaurants

• The Galley at Portman Marina
• Nami Asian Bistro
• Jolin's Family Style Restaurant
• Swamp Guinea Fish House
• Weinackers
• Friends of the Cove
• Seasons

User Names

user:Pfancher user:Ykoroleva user:Ajdu93 user:Taytay618 user:Nikkimaria

Wikipedia course page Spring 2012.