Georgia County Government - November 2008 - (Page 12)

Feature Floyd County Leaders Foster Government That’s ‘Designed With Citizens in Mind’ By Deborah Dewberry, Editor L 12 ike many northwest Georgia counties, presentday Floyd County was formed out of territory formerly belonging to the Cherokee Indians. The far-ranging tribe had occupied the mountainous North Georgia, eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina region they called “the Enchanted Land” from pre-colonial history, when Spanish explorers searched here for gold, as they had throughout the Americas. It wasn’t until 1830, though, almost 55 years after the United States was formed, that gold was actually discovered in the region. At that historic juncture, the Cherokee were methodically removed, under the administration of then-President Andrew Jackson, to Oklahoma and beyond on the now infamous “Trail of Tears.” Perhaps owing to the unique historic sojourn of this “lost tribe,” northwest Georgia’s Indian heritage has remained palpable, and the indelible cultural stamp it left here gives local tourism a unique point of reference. Numerous local landmarks commemorate key Cherokee historic sites all over the area, which still draw thousands yearly interested in Native American lore. GEORGIA COUNTY GOVERNMENT Formally designated out of the Cherokee Land Lottery in 1832, Floyd County’s namesake was “Indian Fighter and Congressman” General John Floyd. In 1833, the first courthouse was erected on the south bank of the Coosa River in a town then called “Livingston,” some 12 miles away from present-day Rome, which became the first county seat. Rome emerged as a major “cotton town” after its 1834 founding, at the scenic junction where the Etowah and Oostanaula Rivers flow together, forming the Coosa River, framed by “seven hills,” prompting founders to liken the site to Rome, Italy, the seat of the Roman Empire. History claims that what attracted people to form a community here were the abundant natural resources – water, vast timber resources, and seemingly endless stretches of land still preserved today. Berry College, on the outskirts of Rome, is the world’s largest campus geographically, comprised of 28,000 acres of protected, undeveloped rural land, the legacy of local resident and philanthropist Martha Berry. A full-scale department within the college is dedicated to conserving the land for future generations. The city of Rome, itself, is a surprise to anyone who expects a sleepy rural Georgia town – this smooth-running, bustling FLOYD COUNTY continued on page 15

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Georgia County Government - November 2008 Contents President's Message County Matters Floyd County Leaders Foster Government That's 'Designed With Citizens in Mind' Staff News: ACCG Interns Georgia's Grand Old Courthouses: Hall County Extension News: ACCG and Extension Partner to Create 'Fellows' Program Research Corner: Resources Available Through ACCG County Parade Index of Advertisers

Georgia County Government - November 2008

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