Georgia Extension Extension Favored
In June1961, the Asheville Citizen Times reported on Congressman Roy Taylor’s proposed Blue Ridge Parkway extension into Georgia. The article included evidence of support from North Carolina and Georgia as well as a description of the proposed location of said extension into Georgia.
Georgia Extension Survey Bill
A bill was introduced in 1961 by Congressman Roy Taylor (Asheville) to survey a route for a proposed Blue Ridge Parkway extension into Georgia. The bill passed in August 1961, but without funding.
Georgia Extension Plan Eyed At Association Meet
In December of 1961, the Asheville Citizen Times published a map of the proposed Blue Ridge Parkway Extension into Georgia and information on Parkway Superintendent Sam Weems’ meeting with the Blue Ridge Parkway Association about potential routes and construction costs.
Georgia Extension Route Proposed
A 1963 study from the National Park Service and the Bureau of Public Roads suggested that the extension should consist of a 190 mile route running from Beech Gap, NC to Marietta, GA.
Georgia Extension Map of Proposed BRP Extension
A 1966 map from the National Park Service detailed the proposed extension to the Blue Ridge Parkway, showing existing faculties and amenities along the parkway.
Georgia Extension Discussions
In late 1966, the Asheville Citizen Times discussed an upcoming meeting set for December, 1966 between various Congress members and federal officials. The meeting was aimed at formalizing plans to begin construction on an extension to the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Congress members would also formulate plans for a bill to gain right-of-way access in Georgia.
Georgia Extension Extension Authorized
In the late 1960s, Appalachian Trail conservationists and other environmentalists publicly raised concerns about the proposed extension to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Despite this, Congress passed a bill authorizing the extension in 1967, and President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the bill into law the following month.
Georgia Extension Reports Favorable
A May 30, 1967 article in the Marietta Daily Journal publicized plans to lengthen the Blue Ridge Parkway to Kennesaw, GA.
Georgia Extension Development Schedule
In early June 1967, Robert N. McIntyre, Assistant Superintendent of the Blue Ridge Parkway, created a detailed schedule of a 5-year plan for the proposed Blue Ridge Parkway extension.
Georgia Extension Meeting Proposed
There was a meeting in Atlanta, GA on June 27, 1967 to discuss the proposed Blue Ridge Parkway extension.
Georgia Extension Extension Approved
On January 25, 1968, the Asheville Citizen Times announced passage of a bill approving an extension of the Blue Ridge Parkway, moving the terminus from North Carolina to within a few miles of Atlanta, Georgia.
Georgia Extension Bill to Accept Land
In the fall of 1968, Congress passed a bill to accept land and appropriate funds for the construction of Georgia Extension. This document allowed “Secretary of the Interior [Stewart Udall], to accept donations of land for an extension of the Blue Ridge Parkway in the States of North Carolina and Georgia.
Georgia Extension Parkway Bill Signed
In October 1968, the Associated Press and Raleigh News and Observer published an article, “Parkway Bill Signed” that announced the signing by President Johnson, thus authorizing the funding to extend the Blue Ridge Parkway into Georgia.
Georgia Extension Panthertown
Liberty Corp. presented plans to the National Park Service and the North Carolina State Highway Commission in 1970. The focus of the plans revolved around developing a Panthertown recreational center on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The plan allocated space for a new alignment of the Blue Ridge Parkway but suggested that the corporation would be strongly opposed to the present NPS proposal of the extension. The author of the report highlighted the importance of rejecting the Liberty Corp. proposal.
Georgia Extension Development Plans
Blue Ridge Parkway Extension: Development Plans to build I-75 to Georgia State Route 5.
Georgia Extension Georgia Accepts Plans
On October 15, 1970, the Atlanta Journal announced that Georgia’s State Highway Department had begun accepting land as federal right-of-way for the Georgia extension of the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Georgia Extension Brevard Workshops
A public meeting was held in Brevard, NC on February 9, 1976 to discuss the Blue Ridge Parkway Extension.
Georgia Extension Cullowhee Workshop
A public meeting was held in Cullowhee, NC on February 9, 1976 to discuss the Blue Ridge Parkway Extension
Georgia Extension Highlands Workshop
A public meeting was held in Highlands, NC on February 9, 1976 to discuss the Blue Ridge Parkway Extension
Georgia Extension No To Extension
On September 11, 1983, an article in the Durham Morning Herald announced, “Officials Say Parkway Will Not Be Extended”