Planning for the next century’s electrical needs, the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) broke ground on the Hartsville Nuclear Plant in 1975.
At the time, the plant would be the world’s largest nuclear plant. Amid much controversy, the sleepy town boomed with construction workers and new businesses that catered to the growing population. Just under a decade later, the decision was made to halt the entire project. Outside the four planned generators, there were a few buildings partially constructed. Various crews later dismantled most of the power plant.
The boomtown went bust and mostly things went back to rural life for residents, except for the iconic nuclear cooling tower. Some refer to this tower as a giant empty beercan looming over the forests and pastures. Eventually, TVA gave up most of the land for business development.
