Lake lanier
Lake lanier near tryon, nc
The camp property resides on Lake Lanier in Landrum, SC. The private man-made lake sits just below the border of North and South Carolina, with various small towns, such as Tryon, Saluda, and Columbus only a quick drive away. The small lake is about 130 acres with 6 miles of shoreline. It is home to year-round residents as well as summer homes and small boathouses.
The Lake Lanier website states that “The Lake Lanier Civic Association (LLCA) is a voluntary organization for lake property owners to collectively maintain the beauty and safety of the lake and surrounding neighborhood as well as create social opportunities.” It is not a Homeowner’s Association, but an organization that conducts business that handles things like community projects, events, and any issues that come up around the lake.
The lake was originally named after Sidney Lanier, who was a poet and musician from Macon, Georgia who died in Tryon, NC. Don’t get this lake confused with Lake Lanier in Georgia, which is also named after Sidney Lanier. Typically sources will refer to the lake located in Landrum as “Lake Lanier near Tryon, NC” to minimize confusion.
A map of where the camp is located in relation to Lake Lanier.
Tryon, North carolina
Tryon, NC lies in Western North Carolina within the Blue Ridge Mountains and is about a 5 minute drive from Lake Lanier. With a population of about 2,000 people, the town is self proclaimed as “The Friendliest Town in the South.” Tryon has been rich with history, local businesses, and southern charm since its establishment in 1885.
In the 1800’s, a rail line was built from Spartanburg, SC to Asheville, NC. Tryon quickly became a “railroad town” and became a popular tourist spot when traveling across the Carolina’s. In the early 1900’s, Tryon became a getaway home to many artists and authors, such as F. Scott Fitzgerald.
Tryon is known for its equestrian activities and vineyards. The Tryon Riding and Hunt Club was formed in 1925 and kickstarted the rise of many other equestrian clubs in the area. After many family vineyards went out of business during the Prohibition, the website states that “Tryon’s wine-making tradition has recently been rekindled” with various vineyards nearby.
Trade Street in Tryon, NC circa 1930.
History of lake lanier
In 1925, Lake Lanier was established by Tryon Development Company in an effort to attract tourists to buy lots and build homes. Although the area had beautiful mountain land and scenic views, it was decided that a recreational lake should be built in order to offset the costs of developing the land.
In May of 1925, dam construction had become extremely efficient, employing workers during night shifts as well as day. Night shifts were practically unheard of in the southeast, and due to the “hurry-hurry atmosphere” that was created, good publicity and the sale of building lots at the Lake heavily increased (Lawrence 25).
The lake was ⅓ full by mid-July, and the southeast was experiencing one of the worst droughts on record. Although not advised, some people would still swim in the lake despite the construction, so lifeguards were hired.
Graphic celebrating 100 years of Lake Lanier.
Piedmont Boy scout camp
Many acres were given to the Boy Scouts of America’s Piedmont Council for them to establish a summer camp on the lake. One of the conditions was that boys from surrounding counties, Tryon and Polk, were allowed to attend.
The first troop of Boy Scouts attended the camp in late June of the same year. Tryon’s local vendors began to receive a lot of business from the new influx of young boys that were coming into the area for camp. Things like souvenirs, food, and post cards were all being bought in the town, which contributed to the rise of the local businesses.
At the start of the camp’s operation, temporary buildings such as tents and sheds were being used until the camp received enough funding to build permanent structures.
Boy Scouts on the diving structure on Lake Lanier at Piedmont Boy Scout Camp.
Our sources
lake lanier, SC
Official Website
The Lake Lanier website is the lake’s official website created by the Lake Lanier Civic Association (LLCA). On this website, you can find details on LLCA membership, upcoming events and announcements, boating and water safety rules, frequently asked questions, and newsletters.
Town of tryon, nc
Official website
Tryon, NC’s official government website is a place where you can find almost anything about the town. The website explains Tryon’s rich history, news and public notices, information about the fire department, police station, street maintenance, etc, the town government, and tourism.
Lake lanier: An exciting adventure in the roaring twenties near tryon, nc
By james walton lawrence, sr.
This collection of notes discusses many different perspectives regarding the development of Lake Lanier in the 1920’s, from the construction of the lake to developments surrounding it.