1959 Map of Hartwell Dam

Away from the rising water, the rural character of Hart and Elbert counties remains preserved through a network of small communities and country churches. The settlement of Montevideo and Cokesbury serve as local anchors, while numerous houses of worship including St James Ch, Beulah Ch, and Sardis Ch dot the landscape. Notable terrain features like Derritt Island and Greens Island sit within the river channel, while industrial activity is noted at a local Quarry and Strip Mine, reflecting the traditional land use before the reservoir's full expansion.