The Civil Rights Movement was a pivotal moment in American history, marked by the fight for equality and justice for African Americans. While many may associate this movement with major cities like Birmingham and Selma, the role of smaller towns and counties cannot be overlooked. One such county is Bartow County, GA, which played a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement.
The History of Bartow County, GA
Bartow County, located in northwest Georgia, was originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Cherokee and Creek. In the early 1800s, European settlers began to move into the area, displacing the Native American population.The county was officially established in 1832 and named after Francis S. Bartow, a Confederate politician. During the Civil War, Bartow County was a major hub for Confederate troops and supplies. The county also played a significant role in the textile industry, with several mills producing cotton and other goods. However, it was also home to a large population of African Americans who worked in these mills and on local farms.
The Segregation Era
Like many other parts of the South, Bartow County was deeply segregated during the early 20th century.African Americans were denied basic rights and faced discrimination in all aspects of life, from education to employment to housing.
Jim Crow laws
were enforced, further perpetuating racial inequality. In 1954, the landmark Supreme Court case Brown v. Board of Education declared segregation in public schools unconstitutional. However, many schools in Bartow County continued to operate under a "separate but equal" policy.It wasn't until 1969 that the county's schools were fully integrated.
The Civil Rights Movement in Bartow County
The Civil Rights Movement gained momentum in the 1950s and 1960s, with activists and leaders fighting for equal rights and an end to segregation. Bartow County was not immune to this movement, and several key events took place within its borders. In 1961, the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) organized a series of sit-ins at segregated lunch counters in downtown Cartersville, the county seat of Bartow County. These peaceful protests were met with violence and arrests, but they brought attention to the issue of segregation in the county. In 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. visited Bartow County to speak at a rally for voter registration.This was a crucial step in the fight for African American voting rights, as many black residents were denied the right to vote through various discriminatory practices. One of the most significant events in Bartow County's role in the Civil Rights Movement was the Cartersville High School walkout in 1964. African American students staged a walkout to protest the lack of integration in their school and demand equal treatment. This event gained national attention and put pressure on local officials to address segregation in schools.
The Legacy of Bartow County's Role in the Civil Rights Movement
While Bartow County may not be as well-known as other cities and counties in the fight for civil rights, its impact cannot be ignored. The bravery and determination of local activists and leaders helped bring about change and pave the way for a more equal society. Today, Bartow County continues to honor its history and recognize the importance of diversity and inclusion. The Etowah Valley Historical Society has established a Civil Rights Museum in Cartersville, which showcases artifacts and documents from this pivotal time in history.The county also hosts an annual Civil Rights Symposium, bringing together scholars and community members to discuss the impact of the Civil Rights Movement.
