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Gordon County, located in northwestern Georgia, is the site of the last capital of the Cherokee Nation before removal by white settlers on the Trail of Tears. This capital, New Echota, was established in 1825, and was modeled on our own U. S. government, creating a Constitution, a bi-cameral legislature, a Supreme Court, and a Chief
Executive. The hope of the Cherokee was that by establishing a nation similar to that of the white man, and fighting him using his own system of law, courts, and through the publication of their own bi-lingual newspaper, the Cherokee Phoenix, a peace could be achieved between the Cherokee and the white man, and they could coexist alongside one another. This was not to be. In 1835, the Treaty of New Echota was signed, and forced removal of the Cherokee began, gathering the natives in makeshift forts then forcing them to being the long march on the Trail of Tears, beginning in North Georgia and ending in Oklahoma. Approximately 4000 Cherokee lost their lives on the Trail. Today, the area of New Echota is a national park, and can be visited and toured.
The county itself was not created until 1850. The county was named in honor of the first president of the Georgia Central Railroad, William Washington Gordon. Gordon was also the first Georgian to graduate from West Point. The county seat, Calhoun, was named after Senator John. C. Calhoun of South Carolina. Other cities within the county include Oakman, Plainville, Ranger, Resaca, and Sugar Valley.
Just down the road from New Echota National Park is Salacoa Creek Park. This park is open 7 days a week from the first Saturday in March until October 1st. Swimming, boating, fishing, camping, picnicking--all can be enjoyed at Salacoa Creek Park.
For shoppers, visit the Prime Outlet Center, home of over 60 manufacturer outlet shops. Or, if you prefer antiques, downtown Calhoun is bursting with small, unique shops for your browsing pleasure. Also, Gordon County is home of several carpet outlets and people travel from miles around to take advantage of the savings found in these centers.
For more information on Gordon County, contact the Gordon County Chamber of Commerce.
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