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Floyd County

A county in the W. N. W. part of Georgia, bordering on Alabama, has an area of 540 square miles. It is traversed by the Coosa river and its constituent streams, the Etowah and Oostenaula rivers, which unite at the county seat; also drained by Cedar and other creeks. The surface is beautifully diversified, and in some parts mountainous. Taylor's ridge is the principal elevation. The soil of the valleys and the river bottoms is represented to be very productive. Cotton, Indian corn, wheat, oats, and sweet potatoes are the staples. In 1850 this county produced 1976 bales of cotton; 254,722 bushels of corn; 15,370 of oats, and 36,818 of sweet potatoes. There were 2 manufactories of coaches, 2 of cabinet-ware, and 8 tanneries. It contained 2 newspaper offices; 409 pupils attending academies and other schools. Iron, plumbago, galena, slate, satin spar, and agate are found. There is a valuable mineral spring in the S. W. part. A branch railroad extends from the county seat to the Western and Atlantic railroad. Organized about the year 1833, previous to which time the soil was in the possession of the Cherokee Indians. Named in honor of General Floyd, formerly member of Congress from Georgia. Capital, Rome. Population, 8205, of whom 5206 were free, and 2999, slaves. page 388

Baldwin, Thomas and J. Thomas, M.D. New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott, Grambo, & Co., 1854

Transcribed by Kristie Setser


Cities, Towns and Communities of Floyd County

ROME
ARMUCHEE
CAVE SPRING
CHATTOGAVILLE
COOSA
FOSTER MILL
INDIAN MOUNTAIN
LINDALE
LIVINGSTON
MELSON
MT. BERRY
PLAINVILLE
ROCK MOUNTAIN
SHANNON
SILVER CREEK
SIX MILES
TEXAS VALLEY
VANN'S VALLEY
WAX


Rome

Early settlers, in the 1830's, discovered the lush mountains and abundant waters of the area now known as Rome, Georgia. So called due to the seven prominent hills that rise above the city. Three smooth flowing rivers crisscross in the heart of the city, the Oostanaula, the Etowah and the Coosa. During the early days, cotton bales and other necessities crowded the streets and docks awaiting their turn to be transported on steamers and paddle wheelers over the rivers.

John Wisdom, the "Paul River of the South", rode 64 miles in May of 1863 to warn Rome that the "Yankees are coming". The town was saved, but was occupied by Union soldiers a year later. Confederate and Union soldiers are buried in Myrtle Hill Cemetery.

Miss Martha Berry, a wealthy planter's daughter, began to teach mountain children in her playhouse cabin, near her plantation home. World famous Be
rry College developed from her mission of "education of the head, the heart and the hands". The boy's school begun in 1902, with the girl's school starting in 1909. For more information on Miss Berry - click here

Cave Spring

Cave Spring was named for one of it's many attractions, "The Cave" and spring. "The Cave" has a natural spring and the water has won awards for purity and taste. Many of the visitors bring jugs in order to take back home some of the fresh spring water.

Hern Academy was founded in 1839 as Cave Spring Manual Labor School. It is located just off the square in Rolater Park. The local historical society and town government have preserved several of the school's buildings for public use. The old Baptist Church is use for Weddings and meetings.

Among the historic buildings renovated and placed on the National Register of Historic Places is a 1867 Presbyterian Church, 1880 train depot and many beautiful Gothic, Victorian and Plantation style homes. Many of the old building around the town square have been renovated and are used for antique and specialty shops.

Georgia School for the Deaf was founded in 1846. It has a state operated elementary and secondary school. Fannin Hall, the original administration building, was used as a field hospital for both Confederate and Union soldiers during the civil war. The city of Cave Spring recently bought these buildings and redevelopment plans are in the making.

East of Cave Spring was a small community of Free Blacks prior to the civil war. Many of the descendants of the founding families of Chubbtown still live there today.

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