Cherokee County Real Estate
Posted: January 6th, 2008
Category: Atlanta Real Estate
Cherokee County
The original Cherokee County… was 6,900 square miles, stretching over most of North Georgia. The county, established by the Georgia Legislature on December 26, 1831, theoretically still belonged to the Cherokee Indians, but they would soon relinquish their ownership and submit to their removal to the West. Although preceded in the first millennium by a culture often referred to, as Moundbuilders, the Cherokee and Creek Indians in the early 1700s were the first people in recorded history to call the area "home". Many remnants of their culture remain throughout the county whose very name honors these proud people. Although migration of whites into the area began in the early 1800s, by 1825 there were still only 220 whites, including men, women and children, living amidst 13,000 Indians and 1,277 slaves belonging to the Indians.
The discovery of gold in Dahlonega… in 1829 was an enticement for some white settlers to migrate to the area during the 1830s. These pioneers became the next group to call Cherokee "home". Where the Cherokee had lived in harmony with the land … hunting, fishing, light farming … the new residents brought new lifestyles and new crops. The industrial revolution had reached Georgia. Soon there would be mills to grind corn, cotton gins, planing mills, and gold and copper mining operations. Entrepreneurs in Cherokee County would experiment with many ideas, including growing silkworms, thus Canton’s name.
The Civil War… would embroil residents of the county in the struggle to create a new nation from the bitter conflict. Sherman’s forces would pay a brief fiery visit to the county in 1864, but fortunately would not remain to call it "home". Post-war residents worked to rebuild and recover. Cotton farming continued to be profitable, and with the advent of the railroad in the county in 1879, it grew in importance. The Rope Mill in Woodstock began operations before the turn of the century. The Canton Cotton Mills opened in 1899. Although cotton was king, the marble finishing business in the north end of the county would prove to be the county’s largest revenue producer for a number of years. For many citizens, "home" would be a mill village or a small farm.
As time progressed into a new century… Cherokee’s five municipalities would emerge as centers of commerce and trade. The county had been divided into 24 smaller counties, reducing its size to 429 square miles. Each town had its own identity. Canton, as the county seat, evolved to become the center of government. The cotton mill and other ventures gave newcomers and natives the livelihood needed. Ball Ground, named for an actual ball game between two Indian tribes, became known for its gems and minerals. Reinhardt College gave prominence to Waleska. Woodstock remained a quiet farming community for many years, as did Holly Springs, but that would change. The county survived a world war and a depression, and it should be noted that during the 1930s when 2/3 of the banks in Georgia failed, none of the four Cherokee County banks did so.
During and after World War II… the county would experience explosions in growth and all the accompanying changes. Cotton farming gave way to poultry production, and the county became known as the Broiler Capital of the World. Bell Bomber, the forerunner of Lockheed in Marietta, gave many residents unexpected opportunities for gainful employment. Hundreds of workers would now call Cherokee County "home", and in the decades to follow, the allure of the suburbs would draw newcomers to the area in record numbers. The list of those whose "home" is now Cherokee County… has grown to include the best of the best. From its beginning, Cherokee’s greatest assets has been the quality of its people. Those in our past, and those today, are responsible for setting and holding high standards in making the county remarkable in those things that matter most. We have an educational system to be envied, a thriving business atmosphere, tolerant spiritual communities, honest and visionary leaders, government officials with integrity, an enthusiastic and hard working labor force, an active cultural arts program, an excellent public library system, a variety of recreational opportunities, a citizenry concerned about ecology, civic groups with energy and compassion, health and safety officials who are well-trained and caring, and residents who respect and preserve their heritage.
History from the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce website.
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