Most People Have No Idea There’s An Underwater Ghost Town Hiding In North Carolina

In the early 1940s, Fontana Dam was created to meet the increasing electricity demands during WWII. At the time of its creation, it was the fourth highest dam in the world and today, is the highest dam in the eastern United States. But both the Fontana Dam and Fontana Lake Reservoir left devastating and life-altering consequences on all who called Swain County home. Several were displaced and never able to return to their homes. While the Road To Nowhere is a haunting example of what happened due to the creation of this dam, many don’t know about another place deeply affected: the underwater ghost town of Judson.

Ancestry

Judson was a small mountain town consisting of 600 residents. There was an elementary school, barber shop, local stores, a sawmill, a post depot....and really everything you needed to survive in a small town. The Tennessee River ran straight through the town, and many residents enjoyed their secluded, small town mountain life. But due to the creation of Fontana Dam, all residents were immediately displaced and Judson was submerged.

Flickr / Frank Kehren

Fontana Lake took over the area. Houses, shops, cemeteries, favorite places soon vanished. It's one thing to be displaced, but another to never have access to what you once called home.

Flickr / Frank Kehren

While Fontana Dam provided a tremendous amount of 'necessary' power (and still does today) its creation displaced not only the residents of Judson, but all others who called this area home. With houses, buildings, and even cemeteries lurking beneath the surface of Fontana Reservoir, it has been said this area and lake is almost like an entire ghost town itself.

Flickr / Danny Navarro

Visitors have reported having strange feelings in the area, and some were ready to leave as soon as they arrived. While many believe Judson has completely vanished, you can actually view the ghost town when the lake is extremely low. You'll see foundations, graves, etc. With permission during drawdowns, you can access the eerie ghost town.

Judson is a haunting place, and it’s viewable around one to three times per year. For those who have been or witnessed it before, what were your experiences? When would you recommend others visit?

If you love haunting spots in North Carolina, this road trip through North Carolina ghost towns is one you won’t forget!