National Register Listing

Masonic Lodge No. 238

a.k.a. Masonic Hall

600 S. Hamilton St., Dalton, GA
Local significance of the building:
Architecture; Black; Social History; Commerce

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1996.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

architecture ethnic heritage black social history commerce
The Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site, located in Atlanta, is a popular tourist destination and includes the King Center, which features exhibits on the Civil Rights Movement and King's life and legacy.
Georgia random facts
Whitfield County, located in northwestern Georgia, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. Before European settlement, the area was home to Native American tribes, including the Creek and Cherokee nations. The region became part of the Cherokee Nation's territory under the Treaty of Hopewell in 1785, but further agreements in the early 1800s led to the forced removal of the Cherokee people on the infamous Trail of Tears.

European settlers began arriving in the area in the early 1800s, bringing with them agriculture and industry. In 1847, the county was officially established and named after George Whitefield, a prominent Methodist preacher. The economy was primarily agricultural, with cotton being the main cash crop. The reliance on slave labor during this time had a significant impact on the county's development.

During the American Civil War, Whitfield County, like many other parts of Georgia, played a crucial role. The region served as a transportation hub due to its rail connections, making it strategically important. Numerous battles and skirmishes took place in and around the county, as both Union and Confederate forces sought control of the area and its resources.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Whitfield County experienced significant industrial growth. The discovery of marble and limestone in the area led to the establishment of quarries, which fueled the development of the local economy. The construction of several textile mills also brought jobs and economic prosperity to the county. Today, Whitfield County continues to thrive and is known for its diverse economy, including industries such as flooring manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Whitfield County, Georgia.

  • 1851 - Whitfield County is established on December 30
  • 1852 - The county seat is named Lafayette
  • 1861-1865 - Whitfield County residents participate in the American Civil War
  • 1870s - Railroads are built through the county, stimulating economic growth
  • 1912 - The city of Dalton is incorporated on February 26
  • 1930s - Dalton becomes known as the "Carpet Capital of the World"
  • 1993 - Whitfield County's population exceeds 70,000
  • 2003 - The county celebrates its 150th anniversary