History of Bartow County, Georgia

Bartow County, located in the northwestern region of Georgia, is rich in historical significance, from its early Native American roots to its crucial role during the Civil War. Founded in 1832, the county has witnessed dramatic changes over the centuries, shaped by the forced removal of the Cherokee people, economic shifts through agriculture and industry, and key events during the Civil War. Today, Bartow County is a dynamic region with a growing population and thriving communities, while still holding strong to its historical heritage. Its wealth of historical landmarks and natural beauty makes it a unique blend of old and new.

Origins and Early History

The Cherokee Nation and Early Settlements

Before European settlers arrived, the area that would become Bartow County was inhabited by the Cherokee people. The Cherokee had established a sophisticated society in the region, with a well-organized system of governance, agriculture, and trade. The Etowah River and its surrounding lands were particularly vital, offering fertile soil and abundant resources, making it ideal for farming.

The Cherokee people built large villages and towns, with notable centers such as the Etowah Indian Mounds near present-day Cartersville. They developed intricate pottery, tools, and a rich culture that included religious practices, trade networks, and advanced farming techniques. The Etowah Mounds, in particular, were ceremonial centers, believed to have been active from around 1000 to 1550 AD.

Forced Removal and the Trail of Tears

The arrival of European settlers in the early 19th century, driven by the growing demand for land and resources, led to the forced removal of the Cherokee people from their ancestral lands. This relocation was part of a broader national policy known as the Indian Removal Act of 1830, signed by President Andrew Jackson. The Act authorized the federal government to negotiate treaties with Native American tribes and forcibly relocate them west of the Mississippi River to designated “Indian Territory.”

In 1838, the federal government began the forced removal of the Cherokee people from Georgia, including Bartow County. This event became known as the “Trail of Tears,” a tragic chapter in American history. Thousands of Cherokee died during the grueling journey, which led them to present-day Oklahoma. Despite the hardship, the Cherokee’s legacy is still visible in Bartow County, especially through the Etowah Indian Mounds, which offer a glimpse into the lives of the people who lived in the region for centuries before their removal.

The Formation of Bartow County

In 1832, Georgia established Bartow County, carved from portions of the larger Cherokee County. The county was named in honor of Francis S. Bartow, a Georgian who became a Confederate colonel during the Civil War. Bartow was one of the first high-ranking Confederate officers to die in battle, falling at the Battle of First Manassas (Bull Run) in 1861.

At the time of its creation, Bartow County was primarily agricultural, with settlers continuing to cultivate cotton, corn, and other crops. The arrival of railroads, particularly the Western and Atlantic Railroad, further boosted economic development. The county’s early history was defined by settlement patterns that reflected broader trends across Georgia: agriculture, land speculation, and railroad expansion.

Key Historical Events

The Civil War: Bartow County’s Strategic Role

The Civil War was a defining event in Bartow County’s history, as the county became embroiled in key military campaigns and battles due to its location near strategic transportation routes. During the early days of the war, the county became a staging ground for Confederate forces, and the Western & Atlantic Railroad played a significant role in the Confederate war effort, transporting troops and supplies.

Battle of Allatoona Pass

One of the most significant military engagements that took place in Bartow County was the Battle of Allatoona Pass, fought in October 1864. This battle occurred as Union forces, led by Major General John M. Corse, tried to protect a critical supply depot at Allatoona Pass, which was located along the Western & Atlantic Railroad.

Confederate General Samuel G. French led an assault on the Union forces, hoping to cut off their supply line. Despite being outnumbered, Union forces managed to hold off the Confederate assault, securing a crucial victory that helped protect the Union’s operations in the region. The battle is remembered as a dramatic example of resourcefulness and resilience, and it remains one of the most significant events in Bartow County’s Civil War history.

Post-Civil War Reconstruction and Economic Growth

After the Civil War, Bartow County, like much of the South, faced the challenges of Reconstruction. The war had devastated the economy, and much of the region’s infrastructure was in ruins. However, the completion of the railroad and the discovery of valuable mineral deposits, including iron ore and clay, played a key role in the county’s recovery.

In the late 19th century, Bartow County became a hub for industrial growth. The brick-making industry, in particular, flourished, thanks to the area’s abundant clay deposits. The railroad also helped to fuel the county’s industrialization by making it easier to ship products like bricks, iron, and textiles to markets across the United States.

The Early 20th Century: A Changing Landscape

By the early 20th century, Bartow County had transitioned from an agricultural economy to one that included industry and urbanization. The growth of the town of Cartersville, the county seat, was central to this transformation. The city’s population swelled as people moved to the area in search of work in the expanding industries. The construction of roads, schools, and public infrastructure also spurred growth, and the county’s rural areas gradually became suburbanized.

The rise of automobile culture in the 1920s and 1930s further changed the region. As automobiles became more common, the county’s economy began to diversify even more, with industries such as textiles, manufacturing, and retail expanding in response to a growing population.

Historical Sites

1. Etowah Indian Mounds Historic Site

Overview and Location

The Etowah Indian Mounds are one of the most important archaeological sites in the Southeastern United States. This site contains a complex of earthen mounds, dating from the Mississippian period, that were used for ceremonial, burial, and residential purposes. The mounds offer a rare glimpse into the culture and daily life of the ancient Native American societies that inhabited the region.

Located near Cartersville, Georgia, the Etowah Indian Mounds Historic Site is open to visitors and serves as an educational center, offering guided tours and exhibits. The site is also recognized as a National Historic Landmark.

Ticket Price and Parking Information

• Admission: $6 for adults, $3 for children (ages 6-17), free for children under 6.
• Parking: Free on-site parking is available.

2. Booth Western Art Museum

Overview and Location

Situated in Cartersville, the Booth Western Art Museum is the largest museum dedicated to Western American art in the Southeastern United States. The museum features works by renowned artists such as Frederic Remington, Charles Russell, and others who captured the spirit of the American West. In addition to its art exhibits, the museum offers historical displays on the culture and people of the West.

Located at 501 Museum Drive, the Booth Museum is a cultural landmark for visitors interested in American history, art, and culture.

Ticket Price and Parking Information

• Admission: $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, $7 for children, free for children under 6.
• Parking: Free parking is available on-site.

3. Cartersville Depot

Overview and Location

The Cartersville Depot, built in the mid-19th century, was a key transportation hub along the Western & Atlantic Railroad. The depot served as an important station during the Civil War, transporting soldiers and supplies for both Union and Confederate forces. Today, the depot houses the Cartersville Downtown Development Authority and serves as a visitor center, offering historical exhibits on the railroad and the history of Cartersville.

The Cartersville Depot is located at 15 N. Erwin St., Cartersville, Georgia.

Ticket Price and Parking Information

• Admission: Free.
• Parking: Free street parking is available nearby.

4. Old Bartow County Courthouse

Overview and Location

The Old Bartow County Courthouse, located in downtown Cartersville, was built in 1869 and is an example of Second Empire-style architecture. The courthouse was the seat of county government until the construction of a new courthouse in the 1950s. Today, it houses the Bartow History Museum, which offers exhibits on the county’s history, from its early Native American inhabitants to the present day.

Located at 1 N. Erwin St., the courthouse is an iconic historical building and a focal point of Cartersville’s historic district.

Ticket Price and Parking Information

• Admission: Free.
• Parking: Free public parking is available nearby.

County Facts

Geography and Climate

Bartow County is located in northwestern Georgia, characterized by rolling hills, valleys, and a network of rivers, including the Etowah River. The county lies within the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, offering a mix of forested areas and open land ideal for agriculture. The county’s fertile soil, combined with its mineral resources, made it an attractive area for early settlement and development.

The climate of Bartow County is classified as humid subtropical, with hot, humid summers and mild winters. Average high temperatures reach 90°F in the summer, while winter temperatures hover around 50°F. The region receives around 50 inches of rainfall annually, supporting lush vegetation and diverse wildlife.

Key County Facts:

• Year Founded: 1832
• County Seat: Cartersville
• Population: Approximately 110,000 (2020 Census)
• Population Density: 267.5 people per square mile
• Largest Cities: Cartersville, Adairsville, Emerson
• Major Highways: Interstate 75, U.S. Route 41, U.S. Route 411
• Adjacent Counties: Cobb, Cherokee, Floyd, Gordon, Paulding, and Polk