Located just north of Atlanta off of I-575, Canton was not always a bustling tech-hub . Canton was founded by settlers in 1832 under the name Cherokee Courthouse. The Cherokee had inhabited most of modern North Georgia, and parts of West Virginia, North and South Carolina and Tennessee for several thousand years with their territory and hunting grounds fluctuating based on wars with their rivals and the European empires. In 1830, the US Government began to remove Native Americans from the American Southeast, with the last of the Cherokees being forcibly removed in 1838. The land was desirable for many reasons, the settler’s original intention was to create a hub of silk production in Georgia. The initial push to drive the Cherokee out of Georgia was sparked by the Georgian Gold Rush in 1829. The area was also rich with minerals used in construction and the growing American industry such as iron, copper, titanium, quartz, mica, granite and marble. The land around Canton and in Cherokee county was also desirable for farming and plantations.

While Canton never did become a Silk capital like the Chinese city of Guangzhou (named Canton in English during the period) it did become a major industrial hub. This transition to industry started before the civil war, but on the eve of war Canton’s major industry remained Agriculture, with mostly small farms. Cherokee county had around 150 slave owners, the majority of whom owned four or less. 9% of the county’s population prior to the war was made up of African Slaves. It started as the “heart of the Cherokee Nation” and transformed after the Trail of Tears in the 1830s. Canton was on its way to becoming a bustling manufacturing community. At the end of the American Civil War, Canton was burned by the Ohio 5th Cavalry of the United States Army in early November 1865.Then, during the Civil War, the city was destroyed by the Union Army. Canton recovered from the March to the Sea with the expansion of the American railroad network. 

Canton laid along the rail line connecting Woodstock to Ball Ground, allowing farmers to ship cotton to mills and for marble to be processed in Cherokee county before export. Canton in the 19th century became an industrial hub, both growing and manufacturing cotton products and exporting marble and other minerals for industrial use. Like in many areas of the South, Cotton became the cash crop of Canton with the practice of Sharecropping. Poor Southerners were often binded into exploitative contracts with a larger farmer in exchange for specific arrangements. Some Sharecroppers were given an empty plot of land and were expected to meet quotas while others were given land with small houses and farming equipment. Canton became quite popular for its Cotton products, which included the well renowned “Canton Denim” fabric produced at the time. Over the course of the 20th century, Canton developed from an industrial hub to instead host major tech industries such as Google, Cox and Microsoft. Unlike many other cities that suffered the same fate, Canton was able to rebuild. From rural farmland to mill-town to popular destination, Canton is now a hub for living, shopping, dining, movies and recreation.

New subdivisions continuously keep popping up in this exciting city. With a growing population of 71,243 people, there is a constant need for more housing. According to Zillow, the median home sale price is $377,248. More than 31 percent of homeowners stay in their residences five or more years, showing that Canton provides a great place to live.

On Trulia, 470 homes are listed for sale. Ranging in price from $75,000 to $2,700,000, there is a home for any family. For renters, the site has 156 choices. These range in price from $850 to $4,100 a month, giving multiple budget-friendly options.

35 percent of the population have children, making area schools important in the home buying decision. Highly ranked schools include Avery Elementary, Canton Elementary, Holly Springs Elementary, Hickory Flat Elementary, Dean Rusk Middle, Freedom Middle, Teasley Middle, Creekview High and Cherokee High.

To keep residents busy, Canton offers an array of recreational activities:

Shopping and Dining

• Riverstone Corner Bistro. A quaint, corner bistro with a country-chic atmosphere. RCB serves fried green tomatoes, country fried chicken, and scallop risotto all while enjoying a great local atmosphere.
• Canton Historic Downtown Loop. The downtown loop features many exciting merchants, restaurants and unique retail shops. These include B. Loved, Noni’s Attic Antiques, The Canton Theatre, Downtown Kitchen, Goin’ Coastal, and many more.
• Goin’ Coastal. This sustainable seafood joint serves only the highest quality food from either fished or farmed sources. Menu items include baked oysters, salmon, shrimp and grits, collard greens, lobster bisque, grits and more.
• Downtown Kitchen. Possibly the best dining experience in Canton, Downtown Kitchen serves fried green tomatoes, smoked duck wontons, bacon wrapped shrimp, steak, fried chicken, mushroom ravioli, beef brisket and stuffed chicken. While dining, listen to amazing live music.
• The Mill on Etowah. One of metro Atlanta’s most popular adaptive re-developments is showcased in a 120-year-old former Cotton Mill found on the banks of the Etowah River. It now features a brewery, a retail marketplace, restaurants, a co-working environment and so much more. Some of the shops found here are The Be Brand, Nomadic Flow Outfitters and Alpine Leather Co. There is also lots of options for food, including Nava Taqueria, Black Bird Tavern, Atomic Biscuit, Whitetail Coffee Co. and Sweet Joy Ice Cream Bar. Enjoy weekly events all year long at this historic mill!

Entertainment and Recreation

• Canton Theatre. Showing slides and silent movies, the Canton Theatre has been in business since the early 1900s. Now, the patrons can come to the theatre for live music, plays and Broadway productions.
• Cherokee County Arts Center. The arts are alive at the Cherokee County Arts Center! Originally the Canton Methodist Church, the center now showcases annual exhibits, holds an Arts Ball and hosts the Canton Festival of Arts every May.
• Boling Park. Located right next to the high school, Boling Park features picnic areas, walking and running paths, soccer fields and a playground. Right next to the river, the park is the perfect place to have fun with your family. It also offers a 1.4 mile moderately trafficked hike.
• Canton Farmers Market. Every June, the Canton Farmers Market reopens. The market promotes local farmers and artisans. All produce is Georgia grown and most is organic. Each of the artists hand makes their items. Additionally, the market hosts cooking demonstrations, kid’s activities and music. This year, the market opens June 5 and closes October 16.

Historical Attractions

• Cherokee County History Museum. Located inside Canton’s historic courthouse, the museum is home to the county’s rich stories. Photographs and documents guide you through the county, from beginning to now. Learn how the city shaped its past residents’ lives. The museum is open Wednesday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free.
• Rock Barn. Today, the Rock Barn serves as an exhibition center and special events facility. It is also the headquarters of the Cherokee County Historical Society. The structure was originally completed in 1906. Today, the interior has been modernized without sacrificing its race horse stable past.
• Cherokee County Courthouse. The courthouse was built in 1910 and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1981. Located at 100 North Street in Canton, the courthouse was built with the classical revival architectural style.

In Canton, residents truly get the best of both worlds. From their historic downtown square to the Hickory Log Creek Dam and Reservoir, residents can choose between a day of recreation or leisure. Canton’s close proximity to Atlanta (just 30 miles), is also ideal for those who love the city life, but prefer the quaint atmosphere of a small town.

If you haven’t already, make Canton your next home! For more details about Cherokee County communities, click here.