Cartersville

Founding and Early Mentions

The history of Cartersville dates back to the 1830s. Initially, the small settlement in Bartow County was named Birmingham and was founded by settlers of English descent. The city's official birth date in its modern form is considered to be 1850, the year it was incorporated.

The city received its current name in honor of Colonel Farish Carter, a wealthy planter and businessman. Legend has it that residents renamed the settlement in hopes of attracting investment from the influential colonel, who jokingly promised the city would prosper if it bore his name.

Key Factors in its Establishment

Cartersville's development from a small village into an important regional center was driven by several strategic factors:

• Railroad Connection: A decisive moment was the completion of the Western & Atlantic Railroad. The arrival of the station turned the town into a logistics hub connecting Atlanta and Chattanooga.
• Geographical Location: The city was ideally situated in the picturesque and fertile Etowah River valley, which benefited both agriculture and transport accessibility.

Early Cultural and Economic Characteristics

The economy of early Cartersville was based on the wealth of the land and its minerals. The region became a mining hub thanks to deposits of gold, iron, manganese, and barite. This attracted entrepreneurs and workers to the city, forming an active business community.

Despite its industrial focus, the city maintained close ties to Southern agrarian traditions, serving as a market for cotton and other crops. Furthermore, the cultural landscape of the area is inextricably linked to the heritage of indigenous peoples: the famous Etowah Indian Mounds are located near the city, serving as a reminder of the valley's ancient history long before the arrival of Europeans.

Chronology of Cartersville's Development

• 1000–1550 — The peak of the Mississippian culture at the Etowah Mounds complex, located in the immediate vicinity of the future city.
• 1832 — The Georgia Land Lottery opens these lands to active settlement by prospectors and farmers.
• 1850 — Official incorporation of the city as Cartersville, named after the influential landowner Farish Carter.
• 1864 — The city becomes a site of active military operations during the Civil War, leading to significant infrastructure damage.
• 1867 — Cartersville officially becomes the administrative seat of Bartow County.
• 1894 — The world's first outdoor painted wall advertisement for Coca-Cola is created on the side of Young Brothers Pharmacy; it remains preserved to this day.
• 1903 — Completion of the majestic Bartow County Courthouse, which became the architectural symbol of the city center.
• 1910 — Opening of The Grand Theatre, which began its history as a venue for stage plays and vaudeville.
• 1950 — Completion of the dam on the Etowah River and the creation of Lake Allatoona, which became a popular recreation spot.
• 2003 — Opening of the Booth Western Art Museum, turning the city into a cultural center of regional importance.
• 2009 — Opening of the Tellus Science Museum, dedicated to mineralogy and paleontology.
• 2021 — Opening of the large-scale Savoy Automobile Museum, solidifying the city's status as a "City of Museums."

Key Milestones in the Growth of Cartersville

The city's history is a journey from a small railroad stop to a major cultural and industrial hub of North Georgia. Below are the key milestones that defined the modern face of Cartersville.

• Launch of the Western & Atlantic Railroad (W&A Railroad)

  The appearance of the railroad station was the primary city-forming factor. It transformed the settlement from a modest farming community into a strategic trade hub, ensuring the transport of cotton and mineral resources to markets in Atlanta and Chattanooga.

• Granting of Administrative Status (1867)

  Moving the Bartow County seat from Cassville to Cartersville after the Civil War established the city’s political leadership in the region. This stimulated the construction of administrative buildings, the development of the legal sector, and an influx of population.

• The Mining Boom (Late 19th – Early 20th Century)

  The active mining of manganese, barite, and ochre deposits shaped the city’s industrial profile. For a long time, Cartersville was known as the "Ochre Capital," providing economic stability and jobs during periods when neighboring agrarian towns were in crisis.

• Creation of Lake Allatoona (1950s)

  The construction of the dam by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers radically changed the landscape and economy. In addition to power generation and flood control, the lake created a strong base for recreational tourism, attracting thousands of visitors annually.

• Construction of the I-75 Interstate

  The routing of one of the major U.S. transport arteries through the eastern part of the city integrated Cartersville into the modern logistics network. This facilitated the development of industrial parks, the arrival of major manufacturing plants, and the growth of suburban housing.

• Museum Renaissance (2000s – Present)

  The implementation of a strategy to create world-class museums (Booth Western Art Museum, Tellus Science Museum, Savoy Automobile Museum) diversified the economy. The city moved beyond its reputation as an industrial center to become a significant cultural destination on the state map.

Urban Planning and Development

The architectural character of Cartersville was shaped around its transport arteries. The city's original layout is a classic example of a Southern U.S. railroad town, where the street grid is oriented relative to the Western & Atlantic Railroad tracks. The historic Downtown is a compact district that preserves the atmosphere of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, where commercial buildings coexist harmoniously with administrative structures.

Historical Eras and Architectural Styles

The city's development reflects an evolution from functional brick buildings of the industrial growth era to modern museum complexes.

• Victorian Commercial and Italianate Style

  Period: Late 19th — early 20th century.
  Much of the historic center is comprised of two-story brick buildings typical of trading towns of that era. They are characterized by decorative cornices, arched windows, and cast-iron facade elements.

  Landmarks:

  • The storefronts along Main Street.
  • The Young Brothers Pharmacy building (famous for its historic wall).

• Neoclassical Revival

  Period: Early 20th century.
  This style was used to demonstrate stability and civic pride. The buildings are notable for their monumentality, symmetry, and the use of columns and domes that harken back to classical ideals.

  Landmark:

  • Bartow County Courthouse (1903) — the centerpiece of downtown. Decorated with Corinthian columns and topped with a clock dome, it is a striking example of Beaux-Arts and Neoclassical styles.

• Eclecticism and Queen Anne

  Period: Late 19th century.
  Victorian eclecticism prevails in the residential architecture of the older districts: complex rooflines, turrets, spacious verandas, and an abundance of wooden ornamentation.

  Landmark:

  • Roselawn Museum — the former residence of the famous evangelist Sam Jones. The mansion showcases the transition from the Victorian style to more austere forms while maintaining its luxurious interior decor.

• Contemporary Architecture and Modernism

  Period: 21st century.
  The city's recent history is marked by the construction of major cultural centers. The architecture of these buildings is functional, utilizing modern materials (glass, steel, natural stone) and clean geometric shapes.

  Landmarks:

  • Booth Western Art Museum — a limestone building reminiscent of a pueblo, styled to modern standards.
  • Savoy Automobile Museum — an example of ultra-modern design with high glazing and dynamic facade lines that emphasize the themes of speed and technology.

Distinguished Residents of Cartersville

Cartersville has been home to many people who have left a significant mark on the history of Georgia and the entire country. The list includes political pioneers, influential writers, and modern sports stars.

• Rebecca Latimer Felton
  Politician, writer, and suffragist (1835–1930)

  She made history as the first woman to serve in the United States Senate. Although her term lasted only one day in 1922, it was a symbolic breakthrough. Felton lived in Cartersville for most of her life, actively advocating for women's rights and education reform.

• Sam Jones
  Evangelist and reformer (1847–1906)

  One of the most famous preachers of the South in the late 19th century. His emotional sermons drew thousands of people across the country. Jones's home, the Roselawn estate, is now a museum and one of the city's primary attractions.

• Amos Akerman
  U.S. Attorney General (1821–1880)

  He served as Attorney General in President Ulysses S. Grant's cabinet. Akerman played a key role during the Reconstruction era, leading the federal government's legal fight against the Ku Klux Klan to protect the civil rights of formerly enslaved people. He lived and is buried in Cartersville.

• Joe Frank Harris
  Statesman (born 1936)

  A native of Cartersville who served as the 78th Governor of Georgia (1983–1991). His policies focused on improving the education system (the QBE program) and the state's economic development, including the construction of major infrastructure such as the Georgia Dome.

• Charles Henry Smith / Bill Arp
  Humorist writer and politician (1826–1903)

  Known by the pseudonym "Bill Arp." His satirical letters and columns were incredibly popular in the South during and after the Civil War. Smith lived in Cartersville, where he also served as mayor.

• Trevor Lawrence
  Professional Athlete (born 1999)

  American football star and NFL quarterback. Lawrence brought fame to the city while playing for the Cartersville High School team (Cartersville Purple Hurricanes), leading them to two state titles and setting Georgia records for passing yards and touchdowns.

• Robert Benham
  Jurist and Judge (born 1946)

  A Cartersville native who became the first African American appointed to the Supreme Court of Georgia, later serving as its Chief Justice. His career symbolizes significant progress in the Southern judicial system.