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Toccoa Falls Power Plant
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Historical Marker for the Toccoa Falls Power Plant |
The Old Toccoa Falls Power Plant is an outstanding
example of the early hydroelectric generating facilities that served
America's rural communities. Built in 1899 by E. Palmer Simpson of
Toccoa, the plant was franchised in that year by the Toccoa City
Council to supply the city and area with electricity. A log dam to
provide headwater for the penstock at the rear of the building formed a
small lake on the mountain above the plant. The bricks were handmade --
swirls of the paddle can be clearly seen -- and then brought to the
site in wagon loads that took two days each round trip. Water from the
penstock spun the 200 kilowatt (266 horsepower) generator, and the
electricity was distributed through the old switchboard. The plant was
acquired by the Georgia Power Company in 1927; then in 1933 it was
given to the Toccoa Falls Institute, which used the power exclusively
to furnish all its electrical needs until 1947. At that time, the
school returned to Company lines and the plant fell into disrepair. In
1972, the Georgia Power Company and the Institute cooperated in
renovating the old plant in order that it can be maintained as a
historical site.
Acknowledgment is given to the vision and progressive contributions of
Mr. P.S. Arkwright, founder and president of the Georgia Power Company,
and to Dr. R.A. Forrest, founder of the Toccoa Falls Institute.
Source: Carl Vinson, Institute of Government. Old Toccoa Falls Power Plant Historical Marker.
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