Duluth is an ever expanding suburb of Georgia's state capitol and largest city, Atlanta. Located near Interstate 85, Duluth is within a convenient and reasonable commute distance to Atlanta. Duluth is one of Georgia's older cities, dating back to the early 1820's, when the majority of the land was covered in rich forestry. Initially inhabited by the Cherokee Indians, white settlers began to enter the area with the founding of Gwinnett County.
The fact that Duluth, Georgia shares it's name with the more recognized Duluth, Minnesota is not a coincidence. The city was originally named "Howell Crossing", but was renamed in the early 1870's when Evan Howell, grandson of the towns founder was invited to re-name the small town. He chose "Duluth" hoping to gain a little recognition for the town, as there was quite a lot of talk going around the country about a bill being considered in the house of representatives. The bill was about the possibility of financing the construction of a section of railroad in Minnesota, ending in a little town called Duluth. Although the majority of the country found this proposal ridiculous, Mr. Howell realized the free publicity that would accompany the now infamous city name.
Duluth is the home of many beautiful and historical buildings and structures. The original site of the Duluth First Baptist Church is the current location of the cities government offices. Founded in February of 1886, the church stood in a white building made of wood that was complimented by a tasteful chandelier and hanging wooden oil lamps draped from the ceiling for over 60 years, until it was destroyed by a fire in the late 1940's. The current structure located on Lawrenceville Street, was built on the site a year later for what was then a whopping $20,000. In the early 1960's a beautiful three story building addition covered in granite was tacked on to the rear of the sanctuary.
Another wonderful display of the towns architectural history can be found by visiting the Payne-Corley House, which is the 2nd oldest house in the city. It was built in the early 1870's and was passed down throughout the Corley family for 5 generations. Although the Corley's continue to be dedicated Duluth residents and retain ownership of the home, the house itself is now operated by Dreamkeepers, LLC, where it is a sought-after location for weddings, receptions, and various other special events.
Finally, Make sure to drive past the Strickland House, which was built in 1890 by Henry Strickland, Jr. and his wife, Alice. After losing their original home to a fire, the Strickland's finished their two story, 11-room home in 1898 and eventually raised 7 children in it. Alice Strickland went on to become the very first woman Mayor in the state of Georgia, serving as Mayor of Duluth from 1921 to 1922. Unlike most of the original homes in this area, The Strickland House is still occupied by Alice Strickland's granddaughter, Alice Zeigler and her husband Frank.
Duluth is a wonderful mixture of old times and new futures. Since Downtown Duluth's recognition as a main street city in late 2000, the area has transformed with re-development and growth. Featuring breathtaking views of architecture from 1900-1930 combined with new business buildings added on in recent decades, Duluth combines down-home scenery with modern-day convenience.
Woodstock
Located in southern Cherokee County, Woodstock is 30 miles north of Atlanta. As one of the county's oldest cities, Woodstock is over 100 years old. Brought in by the convenience of flatter land and easy access, railroads were introduced to the area in 1879. Covering 960 acres of land, the cities population at that time was a whopping 300 residents. Flour mills and an abundance of water power brought in by Little River and Noonday Creek brought in many other prosperous industries.
With bountiful mineral developments, the Kellogg Gold Mine was built nearby, as well as businesses capitalizing on the large amounts of mica and kaolin found in the area. Mostly known as an agricultural town, Woodstock shipped out over 2,000 bales of cotton in the 1890's.
Although there is no definitive answer, most historians agree that Woodstock got it's name from Sir Walter Scott's famous novel. With it's similar scenery and easy going lifestyle, it seems an obvious comparison. Many of the residents of Woodstock enjoy living here because of the community attitude, as well as the many convenient benches in and around the city park. With the residents of the area gathering together for events such as 4th of July ceremonies, the Christmas jubilee, and evening concerts during the summer, it's not wonder that families who move here, stay here.
Beautiful public areas like the "City Park" provides residents with relaxing sights and sounds from the gazebo and water fountain. In the afternoons and evenings, the park provides concerts and is the host of weddings, birthdays and many other momentous occasions. You may also want to visit Dupree Park, 25-acres of lovely agriculture and sports facilities for residents and visitors alike.
Cumming
Cumming was named after Colonel William Cumming. A graduate of the College of New Jersey at Princeton and Gould's Law School in Connecticut. As Captain of the Augusta Independent Blues in the War of 1812, he was eventually made Adjutant General of the Northern Army. He resigned from the Army in 1815, despite declining the offer to be appointed Quartermaster General of the Army by President Monroe and later the rank of Major General by President Polk.
The town of Cumming was incorporated in 1834, celebrating strong beliefs in a states' individual rights, as opposed to the widly known favoring of central government that was becoming a popular political controversy at the time. Col.Cumming was a very public advocate for state rights and lived out the rest of his life in Augusta, where he died in 1863.
In 1987, a civil rights march was held in Cumming. Originally, the march was to be led by Charles A. Blackburn, a Gainesville resident, but was eventually brought to fruition by State Representative McKinney and Atlanta City Council member Hosea Williams.
On January 24, nearly 20,000 civil rights advocates marched peacefully into Cumming, producing no violence, thanks in large part to the presence of approximately 2,000 police officers and national guards. The County of Forsyth paid over $650,000 overtime pay for police during the political demonstration.
The demonstration is widely considered to be the largest civil rights gathering to take place in the United States since 1970. Thanks in large part to the attendees and believers in the civil rights march held that week, The city of Cumming as it stands today is a wonderfully well-rounded beautiful place to make your home.
