Gordon: Cherokee History, Culture and Nature

Gordon County is in northwest Georgia along Interstate 75. Cherokee history and Civil War memorial sites stand alongside cultural attractions and experiences in nature. The rivers offer opportunities for paddling on calm waters; the county’s location along the interstate is a clear point of reference for your trip.

Cherokee History and Memorial Sites

New Echota was the capital of the Cherokee Nation from 1825 to 1835. The site is also considered the birthplace of the written Cherokee language and the Cherokee Phoenix newspaper. At New Echota State Historic Site, visitors can see 12 original and reconstructed buildings. Political history, written culture and the various buildings offer several historical points of interest.

Civil War history is also present at several sites. Fort Wayne Civil War Historic Site includes two well-preserved fortifications used by Confederate and Union troops during and after the Civil War. Resaca Battlefield Historic Site is associated with the first major battle of the Atlanta Campaign; the site includes a six-mile trail network. Resaca Confederate Cemetery, meanwhile, was the first Confederate cemetery in the country to be dedicated. It is the final resting place of 451 soldiers who died in the Battle of Resaca.

Culture, Music and Architecture

The Harris Arts Center houses the Roland Hayes Museum, Ratner Theater, art galleries and The Art Market Gift Shop. The center offers changing exhibitions, classes and cultural performances. The museum displays photographs, stories, recordings, signed programs, personal letters and sheet music from Hayes’ career. Roland Hayes, the son of formerly enslaved parents, became the first African American singer to achieve international recognition.

Oakleigh, a carefully restored antebellum mansion that houses the Gordon County Historical Society, is also in Calhoun. Tours of Oakleigh are available by appointment; check current availability in advance. The restored GEM Theatre in Calhoun has 461 seats and adds a historic theater building to the area’s cultural attractions.

Gardens, Rivers and Outdoor Activities

The ROCK Garden combines an unusual collection with a natural setting. It features more than 50 miniature buildings made from stones, shells, pebbles and other materials. The grounds span one acre, with flowers and green spaces. A nature trail leads through the woods; visitors may see native wildlife along the way.

Gordon County has rivers totaling 47 miles in length, offering opportunities for paddling on calm waters. Cycling and golf add to the range of activities: the county’s cycling routes range from easy to moderate. Fields Ferry Golf Club is a public 18-hole golf course. You can choose among the water, cycling routes and a round of golf to suit your preferred way to spend your free time.

Seasonal Attractions and Local Culture

Copper Creek Farm hosts a sunflower festival each summer. Payne Farm & Produce has a farmers’ market where you can pick your own locally grown fruits and vegetables. The farm’s offerings may vary by season, so check what is currently available before your visit. The Farmers’ Market in Downtown Calhoun features food from local vendors, fresh produce, handmade goods and seasonal items. Dates and seasonal details may change, so check the latest market information.

The Northwest Georgia Fair is held every year at Cherokee Capital Fairgrounds. Since dates and programs may change, check these details before your trip. Another group activity combines astronomy with a ride on a narrow-gauge railway: Sunrise Planetarium offers these visits for groups, and advance arrangements are required. The Calhoun-Gordon County Public Library provides further insight into the region through history exhibits and educational programs; dates for these may change.

When planning a hotel stay, you can start by choosing according to your travel interests: New Echota and the Civil War sites offer different historical themes, while rivers, gardens and cycling routes appeal to other interests. Cultural attractions in Calhoun and seasonal events provide more reasons to tailor your trip to your plans.

Discover more destinations: Calhoun, Fairmount, Tift, Pike County, Paulding County, Terrell County, Habersham County, Dawson County.

For the broader travel overview: Georgia.