Buford, Georgia

Near the end of the 1800s and on into the early 20th century, Buford was known as " The Leather City," renowned for its bridles, horse collars, saddles and shoes. It was founded in 1892 as a railroad town and named for Algernon Sydney Buford, president of the Atlanta and Richmond Air-Line Railway. The railroad went broke in 1874, but was reorganized, eventually becoming part of the Southern Railroad. Both the new railroad and the town thrived. Most of Buford is situated in Gwinnett County. A small portion of its land area lies in Hall County. As a desirable "outside the perimeter" community, Buford lies 25 miles north of Atlanta, with its northern boundary along the shore of Lake Lanier.

Buford began improving an almost mile-long stretch of Lee Street, a major arterial that runs from its historic downtown business district to State Road 20. Consisting of wide pedestrian walkways in addition to bike lanes, the project falls under the guidelines of the Atlanta Livable Centers Initiative and includes trees and landscaping along the entire pedestrian-friendly path. Interstates 85 and 985 pass through the city. MARTA XPress operates a Park and Ride for Atlanta commuters. Buford Highway and Peachtree Industrial Boulevard are well-known thoroughfares.

The Mall of Georgia, the state's largest, is located in Buford, but the city is about much more than shopping. Its parks and lake are major attractions, with walking trails, recreational facilities, boating and swimming. Ball fields and community centers add to a relaxed, easygoing lifestyle. The Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center was founded as an educational resource on water, local cultural heritage and Creek and Cherokee culture. It is more living exhibit than museum. The Buford Community Center includes not only an outdoor amphitheater but a theater stage in addition to a museum and event facilities. Tannery Row Antique Mall and the Downtown Art Colony are both sources of community pride.

Founded as a "whistle stop" station on the railroad, Buford is an independent community with an independent school district in addition to city-owned utilities that provide some of the lowest rates in the area. Buford is proud of its past and dedicated to its future, determined to continue the traditions of small-town friendliness, scenic beauty and a welcoming environment for local workers and residents.