Bartow County, Georgia |
 |
Cass County was created from a portion of Cherokee County by an Act of the Georgia Legislature on December 3, 1832, and was first called "Cass" County in honor of General Lewis Cass of Michigan. Later, the views of Gen. Cass on the issue of slavery caused a change of feeling, and on December 6, 1861, the name of the county was changed to "Bartow" in honor of the "illustrious hero of Manassas," Colonel Francis S. Bartow.
DeSoto's explorations in 1540 found this area of North Georgia already rich in Indian culture and outstanding natural resources. The Etowah River Valley, under cultivation by prehistoric Native Americans, then later pioneer settlers, played an important role in the Civil War when "Cotton was King." |
|
Sherman's army passed through Bartow County on it's way to Atlanta
and occupied the County for several months. Events that occurred here were
the destruction of the town of Etowah, the bloody battle at Allatoona
Pass, and the burning of Cassville. Bartow suffered major destruction but
many of the churches, schools and homes survived. Although many
of those that survived the war have since been destroyed, some churches,
homes and at least one school are still standing today.
After the war, southern mansions as well as log cabins were restored and continue to stand today as a reminder of the heritage and human sacrifice of early historic preservation. The determination of Bartow County families to rebuild and preserve is also visible in the beautiful gabled Victorian homes of the Post-Reconstruction period. Also intermingled in the county are sprawling country houses with wrap-around porches and bungalow-style homes so popular prior to World War II. Mining, natural resources, and agriculture brought many families to this area -- a sense of community and progressiveness keeps them here. | |
|
Historic Areas of Bartow County Cartersville, the county seat, features antebellum homes, tree-lined streets with Victorian architecture, five museums and art centers, and thirteen National Register properties. Adairsville was an agricultural and railroad center prior to the Civil War, and was the first town in the state of Georgia to be listed in its entirety on the National Register of Historic Places. Cassville, the former county seat and cultural center of North Georgia prior to the Civil War, offers a Confederate cemetery with historic markers and monuments and three National Register properties, including the Rosenwald school, Noble Hill. Euharlee offers turn of the century ambiance with antebellum churches; a courthouse and jail; and the Euharlee Covered Bridge, the oldest of ten covered bridges in existence in the state of Georgia. Kingston, site of the Great Locomotive Chase, boasts prominent plantations; a history museum; and a Confederate cemetery, site of the oldest continuing "Decoration Day" (Memorial Day) observance in the South. Pine Log, site of an early Indian Village, has retained a late 19th century general store and is the location of Georgia authoress, Corra Harris's, log cabin home "In the Valley," one of two National Register listings. Stilesboro, named for William Henry Stiles, is home to the century and a half old May Picnic, held annually on the grounds of the historic Stilesboro Academy. Famous Folks from Bartow County Many Bartow County people have contributed much to the history of Georgia, the South, and the nation. Currently, Bartow County native Robert Benham serves as Chief Justice of the Georgia Supreme Court. Former Georgia governor, Joe Frank Harris also hails from Bartow County.Other notable Bartow Countians include: | |
Minister to Guatemala and Honduras under President Grover Cleveland
 |
|
Home ||
Site Map ||
About EVHS ||
Resources ||
Genealogy
Membership || Volunteer || Courthouse Office || Preservation || Projects || Book Store Bartow County || Links || Committees || Calendar || Search |
| ©2000-2002 Etowah Valley Historical Society All rights reserved. | |