Gordon County, Georgia

123rd New York Infantry Atlanta Campaign Battle of Lay's Ferry Battle of Resaca Battle of Resaca Battle of Resaca Battle of Resaca Battle of Resaca Battle of Resaca Battle of Resaca Battle of Resaca Battle of Resaca Battle of Resaca, Georgia Battle of Resaca, Georgia Big Spring Calhoun Depot Calhoun War Memorial Calhoun, Ga, May 18, 1864. Cherokee Indian Memorial Cherokee Nation Civil War Fighting Men Confederate Cemetery Resaca Crossing the Oostanaula at Lay's Ferry Dancers in the Red Clay Minuet Did You Know That Both Sides Used Red, White and Blue Flags? Enduring the Battle of Resaca Field's Mill & Ferry Gordon County Harlan’s Cross Roads Hicks/McCoy House Sites Historic Liberty Cumberland Presbyterian Church Historic Site in Journalism How to Tell the Yankees from the Rebels! Johnston's Rear Guard Stops McPherson Lay’s Ferry Liberty Church Grounds Logan's XV Corps to the South Mary J. Green Mary Jane Green McClure’s Ferry Miss Mary Green New Echota New Echota Cemetery New Echota Ferry Old Sonora P.O. Now Sonoraville Oostanaula River Bridges Oothcaloga Mission Oothcaloga Valley Picturing a 19th-century Battle Polk's Line Withdrawn to Resaca Resaca Battlefield State Historic Site Resaca Battlefield State Historic Site Resaca — A Defensible Position Resaca's Confederate Cemetery / Resaca's Fort Wayne Richard Peters Plantation Roland Hayes Sequoyah Site of Action — Carlin's Brigade Site of Action — Judah's Division Site of the Robert C. Saxon House Snake Creek Gap South Toward Atlanta Stories from the Wild Hills of Resaca The Calhoun Depot The Resaca Confederate Cemetery The Road to Resaca Trail of Tears Why Fight at Resaca?
Gordon County, located in the state of Georgia, has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Cherokee, Creek, and Shawnee. These tribes relied on hunting, fishing, and agriculture for their sustenance.

In the early 19th century, European settlers began to populate the region. In 1832, the Treaty of New Echota was signed, forcing the Cherokee Nation to give up their lands and relocate westward on the infamous Trail of Tears. This event had a profound impact on the history and development of Gordon County, as the land became available for settlement by non-Indigenous people.

The county was established in 1850 and named after William Washington Gordon, a prominent Georgia businessman and politician. The town of Calhoun was chosen as the county seat. The region quickly grew, attracting settlers from nearby states and contributing to the area's agricultural economy.

During the American Civil War, Gordon County played a significant role. The Battle of Resaca, fought in May 1864, was a major engagement of General Sherman's Atlanta Campaign. The battle resulted in heavy casualties and damage to the area, but ultimately, Union forces prevailed and took control of the county.

In the years following the war, Gordon County experienced a period of recovery and reconstruction. The industrial revolution brought economic growth to the area, with the development of railroads and the establishment of textile mills. Today, Gordon County is a vibrant community that celebrates its history while embracing progress and development.
Brief timeline of the history of Gordon County, Georgia:

  • 1832 - Gordon County is created on February 13
  • 1834 - Calhoun is established as the county seat
  • 1861-1865 - Gordon County residents participate in the American Civil War
  • 1870 - The first railroad, the W&A Railroad, reaches Calhoun
  • 1882 - The first public high school in Georgia is established in Calhoun
  • 1930s - The Great Depression affects Gordon County, leading to economic hardships
  • 1952 - The completion of the Allatoona Dam creates the Allatoona Lake, which borders Gordon County
  • 1976 - The Gordon County Historical Society is formed
  • 2005 - The Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta opens in Calhoun, boosting the local economy

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Gordon County, Georgia.