Exploring the Lost Town of Andersonville: Lake Hartwell’s Submerged History

The Sunken Town Beneath Lake Hartwell: The Lost Story of Andersonville

Beneath Lake Hartwell's calm waters lies a captivating secret—Andersonville, a once-thriving community lost to the depths. The town was submerged in the 1960s with the construction of the Hartwell Dam, built to control flooding, generate hydroelectric power, and supply water to surrounding areas.

The original Andersonville was located in Anderson County, South Carolina, near the confluence of the Tugaloo and Seneca Rivers, which form the Savannah River.

Approximate Coordinates:

34°28'16"N 82°52'54"W

It is believed to be submerged at a depth of 60–90 feet, depending on lake levels.

The Rise and Fall of Andersonville

Founded in the early 1800s, Andersonville grew into a small but active settlement with families, farms, and businesses. Its riverside location made it an important spot for trade and travel in the region.

By the mid-20th century, the creation of Lake Hartwell meant the end of the town. As the reservoir filled, Andersonville was slowly swallowed by the rising waters, and by 1962, it was completely underwater. Residents were relocated, and the physical traces of the community disappeared beneath the surface.

A Town Lost to Time

Today, only fragments remain beneath the lake—stone foundations, chimneys, and old roadbeds hidden under layers of silt. Though not visible, the story of Andersonville continues to fascinate locals and visitors alike.

Some adventurous divers have attempted to explore the submerged ruins, though visibility and safety challenges limit access. For most, Andersonville lives on only in memory and historical record.

What Lies Beneath

As an underwater archaeological site, Andersonville still holds secrets of its past. Remnants of buildings and everyday life may remain, preserved in the lakebed. The depth and murkiness of the water, however, keep much of it hidden from view.

Its story adds an element of mystery to Lake Hartwell, reminding us that history can lie just out of sight—quietly preserved beneath the surface. Most visitors enjoy its beauty without realizing what lies beneath. For those interested in local history, the tale of Andersonville adds a deeper dimension to the lake. It’s a powerful reminder of how landscapes change—and how the past is often closer than we think.

Bibliography

• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Hartwell Dam and Lake Project. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah District. https://www.sas.usace.army.mil

• South Carolina Department of Archives and History. “Historic Andersonville: Submerged Sites and Early Settlements.” Columbia, SC.

• Anderson County Museum. Local Histories and Archival Materials: Andersonville and the Savannah River Valley. Anderson, SC.

• Topographic Maps and Satellite Data. U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Historical Topographic Map Collection. https://www.usgs.gov

• Lake Hartwell Association. “History Beneath the Water: The Towns Submerged by Lake Hartwell.” https://www.lakehartwellassociation.org