On Saturday, October 15th, 2016, residents of Milledgeville, Lake Sinclair, and common passersby of GA Highway 441 suffered a great loss as we watched the infamous Georgia Power smokestack come crumbling down in a tragic death scene.

The smokestack, a part of the retired Plant Harllee Branch, has come to be known, loved, and accepted as a local monument, a beacon, and a traveling milestone. Many lake residents and Milledgeville students alike are devastated by the loss of what some call our only distinguishing landmark and what many call a welcoming friend.

The smokestack once sat right on the edge of Lake Sinclair on the outskirts of Milledgeville along 441, a route many students take to and from school and their hometowns.

"How am I even going to know when I'm back in Milledgeville without passing the smokestack?" one stated, holding back tears.

"It was like a sign, you know? A sign that told you that you were almost there. I don't know if I can make the trip without it," another quoted.

Clearly, the Milledgeville community is damaged by the loss of such a great brick structure. For many, drives home, trips to the lake, and daily life will never be quite the same. We will miss it dearly.

Check out a video of the demolition here, and try not to cry.