Packed with information on the Army Corps of Engineers, the Civil War, a multimedia presentation on the building of Allatoona Lake, scenic overlooks and hiking trails, this is an excellent stop for any visitor to the Cartersville area.

The museum tells the story of the origins of the Corps of Engineers beginning with the creation of the position of Chief Engineer during Revolutionary War. At the end of the Revolution the position was abolished, but was reestablished shortly after the signing of the Constitution. For more than 200 years the men and women of the Corps of Engineers have performed tasks of bravery on the field of battle and tasks of merit off the field of battle. In 1947 it was the Army Corps of Engineers who completed Allatoona Dam (first year of operation, 1950), in many ways the first of its kind. This would be the model for almost all of the Corps dams built in the future.

Responsible for maintenance, lake recreation and keeping the unique environment of the lake and nearby land, the Corps created an office not far from Allatoona Dam. Inside the office is the museum that tells the various stories of the Corps and the area. Highlighted is the story of the battle of Allatoona Pass, fought about 3 miles from the museum. Film clips and mounted newspaper clippings add life to the creation of this dam shortly after the completion of World War II. Started in 1941, the structure is a watershed dam intended to hold the run-off from the Etowah River watershed to prevent the flooding of the river valley further to the west. Both Cartersville and Rome frequently suffered because of the flood waters of this river.

Once the museum tour is complete there are a number of activities available for visitors. A short walk takes you to the Allatoona Dam overlook. From this vantage point you can see the dam and powerhouse, which produces more than 150,000 MWH at peak times. Picnic areas and hiking trails are available, and one of the hikes leads to the Cooper's Furnace Day Use Area, an iron furnace built by Mark Cooper.

Additional links about Allatoona

More about the Allatoona Lake Visitor's Center information

Location: End of GA Spur 20, at Allatoona Dam
Directions: Take I-75 to exit 290, then east on Highway 20 to Spur 20 (designated GA 294 on some maps). Travel south on Spur 20 four miles to the center.
Additional information:
Hours: April-September;daily,8 a.m. - 6 p.m.;October-March;Daily, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Telephone 678.721.6700
Date added: November 16, 2003
Last update: November 25, 2005