A collection of letters written by S.O. Penland Senior has shed light on the early advocacy efforts that helped bring Carters Dam to fruition. Penland, who was born in the 1880s in Ellijay, Georgia, began championing the levee and reservoir project as early as 1947. His correspondence with various legislators, including notable figures like U.S. Senator Richard B. Russell and U.S. Representative Erwin Mitchell, reveals a determined push for flood control and infrastructure improvements in the region.
The significance of these letters came to the forefront as Sam Penland, S.O. Penland’s grandson, revisited them after recent articles about Carters Dam appeared in local publications. The dam, which began construction in the 1960s, now serves as a major recreational hub, attracting thousands of visitors to Carters Lake for activities such as boating, fishing, and hiking.
Penland’s advocacy was not without its challenges. He maintained strong connections with influential politicians, frequently sending apples to Russell and Herman Talmadge, who served as both senator and governor. These relationships likely aided his efforts in promoting both the dam and the paving of Tails Creek Road, a critical thoroughfare from Ellijay to Dalton.
As Sam Penland noted, “He served in the legislature, so he knew Russell and Talmadge, and stayed connected.” Penland’s letters reflect a persistent quest for progress, including his concerns over flooding from the Coosawattee River that affected communities downstream.
The advocacy letters, dating back nearly 80 years, also illustrate a time when political dialogue was more amicable. One letter from March 1954 reveals a conversation with a Corps of Engineers official about the feasibility of developing the Coosawattee River. In correspondence dated May 1953, U.S. Representative Henderson Lanham expressed his frustrations regarding funding for new projects during the Eisenhower administration.
Despite setbacks, Penland remained undeterred. His determination is evident in a letter from May 1950, in which Colonel W.E. Potter of the Corps of Engineers discussed the potential for a high dam on Tails Creek. The eventual construction of Carters Dam marked a significant achievement in flood control and ecological management.
The culmination of S.O. Penland’s efforts can be traced to September 1960, when Russell informed him of the successful appropriation for the dam. Russell remarked on the long-standing relationship between the two, showing appreciation for Penland’s ongoing commitment to local needs.
Reflecting on his grandfather’s impact, Sam Penland stated, “I’m sure Granddaddy moved the project along; you might say he aggravated them about it until the day he died.” This persistence, combined with the charm of his famed apples, played a substantial role in the community’s development.
Today, Carters Dam stands as a testament to decades of advocacy, showcasing not only the region’s natural beauty but also the significant historical efforts of individuals like S.O. Penland. The dam and its surrounding recreational areas continue to foster a sense of community while honoring the legacy of those who fought for its existence.
