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CANTON |
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History The history of Canton Georgia is marked by transition, growing from a rural, agrarian community to a small mill town to a prosperous metropolitan city. Canton’s economy shifted its focus through the generations from mining to agriculture to manufactured goods. Canton Georgia, the county seat for Cherokee County, now serves as a thriving bedroom community for the Metro Atlanta area. Cherokee County was established in December 1831 from lands claimed from the Creek and Cherokee Indians. The discovery of a 10-mile wide gold belt in these parts led to the Georgia Gold Rush. An estimated 3000 men came to North Georgia during this time in search of fabulous fortune. With the Indians relocated to present-day Oklahoma on the infamous Trail of Tears in the 1880s, the territory was opened for mining and agriculture. The men and their families settled into communities that were largely self-sufficient and self-contained. The City of Etowah, what is today known as Canton, was incorporated into the state of Georgia in 1832. Two enterprising businessmen envisioned the area as the silk-producing capital of the Western world. In 1834, the town was renamed Canton, after the major silk-producing city in China. Canton’s silk endeavor failed, but its people found success through mining marble and gold and producing cotton and timber. The arrival of the Marietta and North Georgia railroad in the late 1870s led to the development of the area’s agricultural and manufacturing industries. Canton gained worldwide recognition for the denim produced in the Canton Cotton Mills, established in 1899. At its peak, the Canton Mills supplied 1200 jobs for locals. The original mills are long closed, but have since been renovated into upscale loft apartments, the Canton Mills Lofts. Another major development in Canton’s history was the establishment of the Bank of Canton in 1892. The bank is still in operation and has been a hallmark for the community since its establishment. Unlike many banks in the nation, the Bank of Canton survived the stock markets crash and the Great Depression that followed. The City of Canton has weathered many periods of hardship. The stock market crash devastated farmers relying on the cash from their crop sales. The boll weevil added to the struggle of farm life. Cherokee County did not fully recover from the pest’s widespread destruction until after World War II. The arrival of the automobile in 1925 led to the evaporation of the area’s mule trading industry. And finally, with very little demand for natural fiber clothing, the once-burgeoning textile industry packed up and left Canton with empty mills and increased unemployment. Through trials and tribulation, the hardworking people of Canton and Cherokee County persisted. Their dedication to rebuild the community again and again helped establish the thriving city of Canton as it is today. With traditional southern charm and hospitality, the City of Canton is a great place to call home. Opportunities for greater progress and success await those who live, work, and play in the City of Canton, Cherokee County, and greater Metro Atlanta. I’d love to be your Canton Real Estate agent and help you explore all this beautiful area has to offer. If you have any questions, feel free to reach me directly at (678) 779-7702. I’m looking forward to hearing from you!
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