Buford GA

Buford, GA at a Glance

Once described as "The New York of Gwinnett," Buford, Georgia has long prided itself on the spirit of enterprise, acumen and ingenuity that reigns among its citizens. Where so many of its neighbors began at the root, proceeding gradually from agriculture toward more industrial economies later on, Buford jumped right in and was early referred to as the "city of many factories."

Buford's Bona Allen Company was perhaps the largest contributor to the city's first prosperity and continued growth. Begun by R.H. Allen in 1870 as a tanning operation the company expanded to produce collars, saddles and harnesses and eventually shoes and non-leather goods. With the appearance of a new railroad in 1871 the market burst open, and by the 1920's Buford was famed internationally as "The Leather City." Company employment peaked in 1932, and Buford workers hurdled the Great Depression.

From as early as 1900, the city of Buford was the largest in Gwinnett County. Its political clout was substantial, two banks flourished within its borders (and no where else in the county), and its public schools enjoyed a region-wide reputation for high quality education and prestigious degrees.

Buford, GA at a Glance

A combination of labor union upheaval, drop-off in demand for leather goods, and finally a tannery fire in 1981 led to the total shutdown of the Bona Allen Company. And while Lawrenceville, Georgia has outpaced Buford in growth, taking the lead as the largest Gwinnet County city, Buford continues to mature as the singular and flourishing business and residential neighborhood it is today.

With its efficient infrastructure, ready workforce and low utilities costs, Buford is unsurprisingly the site of operations for several local and international companies. Employees living in Buford enjoy the many benefits of an excellent public school system with proximity to major universities, as well as assorted community arts and educational programs which make up the fabric of this hometown family neighborhood.

There is no shortage of opportunities for healthy outdoor recreation in Buford. Lake Lanier Islands provides outlets for swimming, boating, golf, fishing, and skiing, in addition to campsites and beaches for relaxation and nature study. Stellar campsites are also available in the Georgia Mountains, where hiking trails abound.

The Tannery Row Artist Colony lends to the brawny Buford business community a needed spice. More than 17 artists from all walks of life reside at the visual arts center's historic Tannery Building, recently established in 2003 with galleries and studios. The colony holds art shows and festivals throughout the year, including the annual Historic Buford Plein Air, where easels are set up beneath the new spring sky and artists paint scenes of Buford from the frontlines. Regular meetings, presentations and talks are also held each week at the colony.