Dawson Forest has an interesting and extensive history. While most parks are simply nice-looking areas carved out by the government to protect the natural beauty of the environment and provide people with a nice spot to enjoy the outdoors, Dawson Forest’s history starts in the midst of the Cold War.
The GNAL
A large section of the area that would become Dawson Forest as it is known today was purchased by Lockheed Martin in the 1950s. This area was to become The Georgia Nuclear Aircraft Laboratory or AFP No. 67. The area, operated jointly by Lockheed and the US Air Force, was used as a facility to test the feasibility of nuclear aircraft. While no planes were actually constructed here, the plant conducted tests on aircraft parts and military equipment, as well as the environment by exposing them to large amounts of radiation. The area featured a nuclear reactor, railroad, support buildings, and miles of underground tunnels.
By 1971, the project that supported the GNAL had ended and the property was closed. The same year the area was purchased from Lockheed by the City of Atlanta. There were still elements of radiation in the area, so much of the park was closed off until the 1990s
The City of Atlanta’s Ownership.
When purchased, the area was one of a few that was to be a potential site for a second airport to serve the city of Atlanta alongside Hartsfield-Jackson International. The decision was ultimately made to not use the site as costs were expected to be too high and it was expected that it would fail, especially considering other, far better sites such as Dobbins Air Reserve Base were considered as options.
In 2009, the site was considered to be used as the location of the Shoal Creek Reservoir. This plan was canceled due to legal and environmental concerns including the state of Alabama suing to stop its construction.
Eventually, the area would be placed under the management of the Georgia Forestry Commission in 1975 as a wildlife management area. The area is now open to the public as a park. You can read more about what the park offers today here.
