Created in 1930 by the construction of the Conklingville Dam, this vast, 29-mile-long reservoir holds an incredible amount of history beneath its waters.
The flooding of the Sacandaga Valley required the relocation of nearly 3,000 graves, the demolition of 11 small towns and hamlets, the burning or removal of homes and bridges, and the clearing of thousands of acres of trees. The history of what once stood in this valley is seemingly endless.Contrary to many popular misconceptions, there are no intact homes, standing trees, or amusement parks remaining beneath the lake. Instead, the bottom holds remnants of the past, including stone foundations, thousands of tree stumps, old iron bridges, roadbeds, and former river channels.Much of the lake bottom consists of vast stretches of submerged farmland, with relatively few natural features or structures for fish to use as habitat.
Aaron's Guide Service has spent thousands of hours scanning the lake bottom with sonar, exploring the locations of former homes, roads, rivers, and bridges. Through this extensive exploration, we've gained a unique perspective on what remains beneath the surface of Great Sacandaga Lake.
Below, you'll find a collection of historic photographs showing the Sacandaga Valley before the reservoir was created. Enjoy a glimpse into the fascinating history of Great Sacandaga Lake and the valley that existed long before its waters covered the land.
