Split between Gwinnett and Hall counties, the city of Buford, Georgia, was originally occupied by the Cherokee nation and was not inhabited by settlers by the 1860s. Following the American Civil War, the city became a spot for the Richmond and Danville Railroad System. In fact, it was actually named for the president of the Atlanta and Richmond Airline Railway, Algernon Sidney Buford.
After the railway had hit completion in 1871, Buford began expanding very quickly, which led to its official incorporation as a town in 1872 and city in 1876. By the late 1800s, Buford had become known as the "Leather City" for its famous leather production, and even drew celebrities like Gene Autry, the cast of Bonanza, and Roy Rogers. Unfortunately, a fire that erupted in the 1980s ended Buford's specialty leather industry.
Today, Buford is known as the home of the famous Mall of Georgia. Complete with tons of stores, restaurants, and an IMAX movie theater, Mall of Georgia is a fun way to spend a Saturday in Buford. If malls and shopping aren't really your thing, Buford also has several parks and walking trails around the city, including Bogan Park, Buford Dam Park, and the recreational facilities at Lake Lanier Islands. The Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center is also a great place to visit if you are interested in learning about Native American cultures in the area, the history of buford, and water/environmental resources.
Another great thing about Buford is the amazing education system they currently have. Public schools in the area include: White Oak Elementary School, Patrick Elementary School, Ivy Creek Elementary School, Friendship Elementary School, Harmony Elementary School, Buford Elementary School, Buford Academy, Buford Middle School, Twin Rivers Middle School, Lanier Middle School, Glenn C. Jones Middle School, and Buford High School. With a 10/10 from www.GreatSchools.org, Buford High is a wonderful institution!
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