Gilmer County, Georgia History

GILMER COUNTY.
This county was named after the Hon. George R. Gilmer, and was laid out from Cherokee in 1832.
The rivers are Ellijay and Tacoa.

The face of the country is broken by mountains, the principal of which are, Cohuttah, Frog, Coal, Bald, Long Swamp, Amacolola, Turnip Town, Tallona, and Sharp Top. The best lands are in the valleys and on the water-courses.

Ellijay is the capital, situated on the northwest bank of the Ellijay River, 171 miles N. W. of Milledgeville.

The public places are, Prince Edward, Tacoa, Talking Rock, and Blue Ridge.

The country is rich in minerals. Gold, iron, and marble are found in various sections.

Among those who first settled in this county are, B. Chastain, James Cody, Alexander Kell, James Kell, Benjamin Griffith, L. Holt, C. Cooper, J. E. Price, John P. Alexander, Samuel Jones, E. Chastain, A. Johnson, J. A. Johnson, E. Gibson, James Simmons, Jacob Gibson, C. Goble, J. C. King, S. Griffith, H. K. Q.uillian, Thos. M. Burnett, Wm. Cox, B. M. Griffeth, &c.

Extract from the Census of 1850.—Dwellings, 1,396 ; families, 1,396; white males, 4,242; white females, 3,994; free coloured males, 3; 1 free coloured female. Total free population, 8,240; slaves, 200. Deaths, 54. Farms, 577; manufacturing establishments, 5. Value of real estate, $551,451; value of personal estate. 8233,115.

We are indebted to a gentleman well acquainted with the history of the Cherokees for the following items, viz.:—

Old Indian Towns.—Ellija, an Indian town, formerly stood where Ellijay now stands. White Path was the Chief. He accompanied John Ross to Washington, in 1834. General Jackson invited him to dinner, and presented him with a silver watch, which he always kept as a precious treasure. He was taken sick at Hopkinsville, Kentucky. During his illness, the people showed him great kindness. After his death, his watch was sold, and its proceeds appropriated to the erection of a marble monument.

Talona was south of Ellija. It was sometimes called Sanderstown, after the principal Chief, George Sanders, who kept a house of entertainment on the Federal Road, and was considered a high-minded man. He accompanied Ross to Washington. On his return, he was taken sick, and died at Raleigh, North Carolina.

Mountain Town was situated in the eastern part of Gilmer; Cartilana was the principal Chief.

Source: "Historical Collections Of Georgia", by George White, 1855
Transcribed and Submitted by Brenda Wiesner

Towns, Hamlets and Villages

Gilmer County was laid out from Cherokee in 1832, and named in honor of George R. Gilmer. It is in the northern part of the state and is bounded by Fannin county on the north and northwest, Dawson on the southeast, Pickens on the south and Gordon and Murray on the west. The Cartecay and Ellijay rivers unite near the center of the county to form the Coosawattee, which flows toward the southwest. The county is also watered by many smaller streams. The surface is mountainous and well wooded. The timber is principally oak and poplar and is being rapidly converted into lumber. The soil, especially in the valleys is very fertile. Corn, wheat, oats, field peas and some cotton are raised. The various grasses and all forage crops do well. Gilmer is a good fruit county. Apples grow to perfection and find a ready market. Peaches do well, but have small sale. Quinces, plums and cherries are grown and vineyards are being planted. The fruit business is yet in its infancy, but it is believed that it will take its place as one of the best paying resources of the county. Small game abounds and the streams furnish an abundance of fish. Gold and iron are the principal minerals and are mined quite extensively. Beautiful marble, limestone, sandstone, mica, slate and granite are also found. The healthful climate, pure water and great agricultural and mineral wealth attract settlers and the county is growing steadily in population. The Atlanta Knoxville & Northern railway, which traverses the county from north to south, contributes to the development of the natural resources. The population in 1900 was 10,198, a growth of 1,124 in ten years. Ellijay is the county seat. Talona, south of Ellijay is sometimes called Sanderstown, from the Cherokee chief, George Sanders, who once kept a house of entertainment on the Federal road.
(Georgia: Comprising Sketches of Counties, Towns, Events, Institutions, and Persons, Arranged in Cyclopedic Form. VOL III Publ. 1906. Transcribed by Marilyn Clore)

Fouts, a post-hamlet of Gilmer county, is located about twelve miles southwest of Ellijay. The nearest station is Keasley, on the Atlanta, Knoxville & Northern railway.
(Source: Georgia Sketches of Counties, Towns, Events, Institutions, and Persons, VOL II, by Candler & Evans, Publ. 1906. Transcribed by Renae Donaldson)

Globe, a post-village in the southwest corner of Gilmer county, is not far from the Gordon county line. It reported a population of 107 in 1900 and is a trading center for that section. Talona, on the Atlanta, Knoxville & Northern , is the nearest railroad station.
(Georgia: Comprising Sketches of Counties, Towns, Events, Institutions, and Persons, Arranged in Cyclopedic Form. VOL III Publ. 1906. Transcribed by Marilyn Clore