Canton Georgia History
Canton, Georgia is a city located in Cherokee County, in the northern part of the state. The city has a rich history that dates back to the early 19th century.
The area that is now Canton was originally inhabited by the Cherokee Native American tribe. In 1831, the tribe was forced to leave the area as part of the Trail of Tears, a forced relocation to Indian Territory (present-day Oklahoma) by the United States government.
After the Cherokee were forced to leave, the area was settled by European-American pioneers, who established farms and businesses in the area. The town of Canton was officially incorporated in 1833 and named after the city of Canton, Ohio.
During the Civil War, Canton was a major transportation hub for the Confederate Army. The city's location at the intersection of two important railroads made it a strategic location for the transportation of troops and supplies. In 1864, the city was burned by Union troops during General William T. Sherman's Atlanta Campaign.
After the war, Canton began to rebuild, and the economy shifted from agriculture to manufacturing. The city became known for its production of denim and other textiles, as well as marble and granite.
In the 20th century, Canton continued to grow and develop. The city's population increased significantly, and new industries such as automotive manufacturing and healthcare emerged. Today, Canton is a thriving city with a diverse economy and a strong sense of community.
Canton's history is celebrated and preserved through various local historical societies and museums, including the Cherokee County Historical Society and the Cherokee County History Museum. The city also hosts events and festivals throughout the year that celebrate its rich cultural heritage and home to the Canton Towing Company.
The area that is now Canton was originally inhabited by the Cherokee Native American tribe. In 1831, the tribe was forced to leave the area as part of the Trail of Tears, a forced relocation to Indian Territory (present-day Oklahoma) by the United States government.
After the Cherokee were forced to leave, the area was settled by European-American pioneers, who established farms and businesses in the area. The town of Canton was officially incorporated in 1833 and named after the city of Canton, Ohio.
During the Civil War, Canton was a major transportation hub for the Confederate Army. The city's location at the intersection of two important railroads made it a strategic location for the transportation of troops and supplies. In 1864, the city was burned by Union troops during General William T. Sherman's Atlanta Campaign.
After the war, Canton began to rebuild, and the economy shifted from agriculture to manufacturing. The city became known for its production of denim and other textiles, as well as marble and granite.
In the 20th century, Canton continued to grow and develop. The city's population increased significantly, and new industries such as automotive manufacturing and healthcare emerged. Today, Canton is a thriving city with a diverse economy and a strong sense of community.
Canton's history is celebrated and preserved through various local historical societies and museums, including the Cherokee County Historical Society and the Cherokee County History Museum. The city also hosts events and festivals throughout the year that celebrate its rich cultural heritage and home to the Canton Towing Company.