Bartow County, Georgia is a small but historically rich county located in the northwestern part of the state. It is home to a diverse population and has a long and complex history that has been shaped by various events and influences. One of the most significant influences on Bartow County's history was European colonization, which had a profound impact on the county and its people.
The Arrival of Europeans in Bartow County
The first Europeans to arrive in what is now Bartow County were Spanish explorers in the 16th century. However, it was not until the 18th century that Europeans began to settle in the area.The first permanent European settlement was established in 1733 when James Oglethorpe founded the colony of Georgia. The colony was initially intended as a buffer between the British colonies and Spanish Florida, but it soon became a haven for Europeans seeking religious freedom and economic opportunities. As more Europeans arrived in Georgia, they began to push westward into what is now Bartow County. The Cherokee Nation, who had inhabited the area for centuries, initially welcomed the Europeans and even formed alliances with them. However, as more settlers arrived, tensions between the Cherokee and the Europeans grew.
The Trail of Tears
In 1838, the United States government passed the Indian Removal Act, which authorized the forced relocation of Native American tribes from their ancestral lands to reservations in Oklahoma.This act had a devastating impact on the Cherokee Nation, who were forcibly removed from their homes and forced to march westward on what became known as the Trail of Tears. Many Cherokee died during this forced relocation, and those who survived faced numerous challenges in their new home. The Trail of Tears had a profound impact on Bartow County, as it was located along the route of the forced march. Today, the county is home to several historic sites related to the Trail of Tears, including the New Echota State Historic Site and the Chief Vann House Historic Site.
The Civil War
Another significant event in Bartow County's history was the Civil War. The county was strategically located between Atlanta and Chattanooga, making it a crucial transportation hub for both the Union and Confederate armies.As a result, Bartow County saw its fair share of battles and skirmishes during the war. One of the most significant battles in Bartow County was the Battle of Allatoona Pass, which took place in October 1864. The Union army successfully defended the pass against a Confederate attack, which helped to secure their hold on Atlanta. Today, visitors can learn more about this pivotal battle at the Allatoona Pass Battlefield.
The Impact of European Colonization on Bartow County
The arrival of Europeans in Bartow County had a profound impact on the area's Native American population. The forced relocation of the Cherokee Nation and other tribes had devastating consequences, and their presence in the county was greatly diminished as a result. European colonization also brought significant changes to Bartow County's economy and society. The introduction of agriculture, particularly cotton farming, led to an increase in wealth and population in the county.However, this also led to an increased demand for enslaved labor, which had a lasting impact on the county's African American population. Today, Bartow County is home to a diverse population that reflects its complex history. Visitors can learn more about this history at various historic sites and museums throughout the county, including the Etowah Indian Mounds State Historic Site and the Booth Western Art Museum.
