25 LC 112 3202
House Resolution 466
By: Representatives Wade of the 9
th
and Chastain of the 7
th
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing the historical significance of the 1911 Rand McNally map of Dawson County,
1
Georgia; and for other purposes.2
WHEREAS, the 1911 Rand McNally map of Dawson County, Georgia, provides a valuable3
historical snapshot of the region's geography, infrastructure, and cultural landmarks as they4
existed in the early 20th century; and5
WHEREAS, the map highlights several communities that were once integral to the county's6
social and economic fabric but have since diminished or disappeared, including Afton,7
Amicalola, Barrettsville, Bright, Cogburn, Dawsonville, Dougherty, Fork, Hubbardsville,8
Johntown, Juno, Landrum, Laurel, McKee, Palmour, Pots Mountain, Rockpile, Sarepta,9
Warhill, and Yellowcreek, each of which played a significant role in the area's development10
yet, over time, has been lost or absorbed into larger towns or counties; and11
WHEREAS, Afton, once a vibrant agricultural community, was home to several prominent12
families who were integral to the county's early growth; though the town has largely13
disappeared, its agricultural legacy remains a part of Dawson County's historical fabric; and14
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WHEREAS, Amicalola, named after the nearby Amicalola Falls, was a center for early
15
tourism and a gathering place for people enjoying the natural beauty of the area; though the16
town has faded, Amicalola Falls State Park continues to draw visitors to the region; and17
WHEREAS, Barrettsville, a settlement that grew around early roadways and trade, once18
served as a crossroads for travelers and commerce; though no longer a recognized19
community, its role in facilitating early economic activity is an important chapter in Dawson20
County's history; and21
WHEREAS, Bright, a small agricultural settlement, was home to farms that helped feed the22
local population, and its location along early transportation routes made it a vital part of23
Dawson County's rural economy; and24
WHEREAS, Cogburn, an early mill town, served as a critical source of local industry,25
providing employment and economic stability to the area for many years; though now a26
distant memory, the community's industrial past still influences the development of27
surrounding areas; and28
WHEREAS, Dawsonville, the county seat, remains a thriving town that has grown from its29
early history as a bustling center of trade and commerce; its historical significance is30
celebrated today, even as it continues to evolve into a modern community; and31
WHEREAS, Dougherty, a small farming community, once contributed to the agricultural32
wealth of Dawson County, and though it has long since been absorbed into surrounding33
areas, its presence on the early map serves as a reminder of the county's agrarian past; and34
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WHEREAS, Fork, a settlement once situated at a key junction of early roads, played an
35
important role in the transportation networks that connected Dawson County with other parts36
of Georgia—its location near multiple crossroads made it a vital stop for travelers; and37
WHEREAS, Hubbardsville, an early logging community, helped fuel the industrial growth38
of Dawson County by supplying timber for the burgeoning building industry—the area's39
natural resources were once central to the county's economy, and Hubbardsville was one of40
its key contributors; and41
WHEREAS, Johntown, a settlement that arose alongside the rise of mining activities, saw42
a brief period of prosperity before the mines played out and the town faded from the map;43
its once-prominent role in the mining industry is now remembered by historians; and44
WHEREAS, Juno, a small community that grew up near the mining and logging operations,45
served as a key location for industry and trade; today, little remains of Juno, but its role in46
shaping the area's early economy endures in local memory; and47
WHEREAS, Landrum, once a farm town known for its rich soil and crops, was part of48
Dawson County's early agricultural movement, supplying food to the region; though the town49
has disappeared, its agricultural contributions remain a part of Dawson's history; and50
WHEREAS, Laurel, a community that once thrived along the waterways of Dawson County,51
provided natural resources and a place of residence for those who worked the land and the52
rivers—its legacy continues in the county's ongoing connection to its waterways; and53
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WHEREAS, McKee, a small farming community, contributed to Dawson County's early
54
agricultural economy, and though it no longer exists as a town, its influence on local farming55
practices can still be traced through the county's agricultural landscape; and56
WHEREAS, Palmour, named after an early settler, was once a bustling hub for local57
agriculture and trade—its absence today is a reminder of the changing nature of Dawson58
County's rural economy; and59
WHEREAS, Pots Mountain, an area once home to small settlements of miners and loggers,60
provided key natural resources that helped fuel the economy of Dawson County in its early61
years; and62
WHEREAS, Rockpile, once an important stop for travelers on early roads, helped connect63
Dawson County to surrounding areas and was a central location for commerce during its64
peak; and65
WHEREAS, Sarepta, a once-thriving religious community, was a place for spiritual66
gatherings and social events; although the town no longer exists, its spiritual influence can67
still be felt in the local churches and gatherings today; and68
WHEREAS, Warhill, once home to a strong agricultural base, was a place where residents69
worked the land and participated in community events—its history is intertwined with that70
of neighboring areas that continue to carry on its traditions; and71
WHEREAS, Yellowcreek, a rural community that was closely tied to agriculture and local72
trade, provided a hub for farming families in Dawson County; while the town has73
disappeared, its historical importance as part of the county's agrarian past endures; and74
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WHEREAS, the map illustrates the layout of early transportation networks, including historic
75
roadways, railways, and settlements that shaped the development of small towns and rural76
communities within Dawson County; and77
WHEREAS, many of the communities, settlements, and named locations on the map reflect78
a way of life that has since evolved due to industrialization, urbanization, and shifts in79
economic and social structures; and80
WHEREAS, preserving and recognizing this historical cartographic record allows for a81
deeper appreciation of the county's heritage and provides insight into how the landscape and82
society have changed over time; and83
WHEREAS, the study and commemoration of these lost or transformed landmarks contribute84
to the broader understanding of Georgia's small-town history and the forces that shaped its85
development throughout the 20th century.86
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that87
the members of this body recognize the historical significance of the 1911 Rand McNally88
map of Dawson County, Georgia, and encourage further efforts to document, study, and89
educate the public about the county's evolving geography and cultural legacy.90
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized91
and directed to make appropriate copies of this resolution available for distribution to the92
public and the press.93
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