On June 3, people took advantage of a sunny Saturday to venture to Lake Olmstead. Some fished and kayaked, while a happy couple took part in a photo shoot. Others walked their dogs along the paths, and some just enjoyed being outdoors.
Lake Olmstead is a by-product of the Augusta Canal expansion that began in 1872.
The canal was expanded to allow for larger factories to be built. Augusta’s mayor was Charles Estes, a former contractor who had worked on the Erie Canal in New York, according to the New Georgia Encyclopedia.
He hired Charles Olmstead, another engineer on the Erie project, to supervise the construction.
The stone aqueduct was blocked, damming Rae’s Creek and creating Lake Olmstead, the encyclopedia said.
The area features an abundance of magnolia trees as well as pines and other native species.
The Julian Smith Casino was built in 1936 and named after one of the city’s former mayors. The white gazebo, also known as the Julian Smith Concert Pavilion, was constructed in 1937.
The park also has a disc golf course.
Charmain Z. Brackett, the publisher of Augusta Good News, has covered Augusta’s news for 35 years. Reach her at charmain@augustagoodnews.com. Sign up for the newsletter here.
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