In November 1911,
James Mitchell stood on a
high ridge, called Cherokee Bluffs, which
overlooked the Tallapoosa River.
While the locals valued the
spot as a favorite for picnicking,
with panoramic views in all directions,
Mitchell recognized the opportunity and potential
for hydroelectric development. To Mitchell, this was
"one of the finest dam sites" he had seen.
This was no idle compliment, because
Mitchell was well-known in the hydroelectric
industry. He had established the
Rio don Larges Dam in Brazil
and scouted hydroelectric sites
in Japan for London's Sperling & Co.,
an investment banking house.
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