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Home · Property Survey Database · Image Slideshow · Historical Interpretations · Pedagogical Interpretations
Additional historical interpretations
A brief community history
of the city of Canton in Cherokee County
Jill Sands
April 2003
Originally named Etowah,
Canton was founded in the early 19th century during the frenzy of the north
Georgia gold rush. In 1833, it was designated county seat, and by the next year
the name was changed to Canton to recognize one of the community's first, albeit
short-lived, industries--silk manufacturing.
Sherman's troops nearly
destroyed Canton during the Civil War era. Growth was slow during reconstruction.
Residents rebuilt the town, and their efforts were greatly boosted in 1879 with
the arrival of the Marietta & North Georgia Railroad and the north Georgia
gold rush. Prospectors from around the country pinned their dreams on fortune;
the influx of drifters and new residents paved the way for economic, social
and political development.
By 1870, just over 200 residents
lived in Canton; by 1890, it had tripled to more than 600. This marked a shift
from a "backwoods town" to more of a typical Southern frontier town.
A stop on the railroad route enabled local agriculture and produce not consumed
locally to find markets elsewhere. R.T. Jones began his auspicious start as
storekeeper in 1879 and brought in marketable goods to locals. He also served
as the town's "first bank" because Cantonites were able to store any
personal surplus funds in Jones' little iron safe that he kept in the back of
the store.
The twentieth century marked
the second stage of prosperity and expansion for the town of Canton. Census
data indicates a significant numerical gain during the years 1910 through 1920,
when it shot from 850 to more than 2000 occupants. The influx of population
had tremendous implications as the town emerged from small town to city status.
For example, prior to 1882, despite having a five-member commission, the town
had not enacted any ordinances because there was no need.
Buildings in the Commercial Historic District dating from the late 19th and early 20th centuries reflect historic growth and development. This period began in the 1890s with the establishment of two major local industries--the Georgia Marble Finishing Works (1891) and the Canton Cotton Mills (1899). The town also boasted its first bank, the Bank of Canton in 1892.
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