HR471: HR471 Historical significance of the 1911 Rand McNally map of Lumpkin County, Georgia; commend

25 LC 112 3203 House Resolution 471 By: Representatives Wade of the 9th and Hawkins of the 27th A RESOLUTION Recognizing the historical significance of the 1911 Rand McNally map of Lumpkin County,1 Georgia; and for other purposes.2 WHEREAS, the 1911 Rand McNally map of Lumpkin 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, this map includes references to significant local feat ures such as the town of6 Auraria, established in 1832 during Georgia's first gold rush, which briefly served as the7 county seat and was a bustling center for gold mining activities; over time, its prominence8 declined, and today it is considered a ghost town with only a few remaining structures; and9 WHEREAS, the map also highlights other communities that were on ce integral to the10 county's social and economic fabric but have since diminished o r disappeared, including11 Porter Springs, a thriving health resort in the late 1800s and early 1900s known for its12 mineral springs; and13 WHEREAS, the map illustrates the layout of early transportation networks, including14 roadways and settlements that shaped the development of small towns and rural communities15 H. R. 471 - 1 - 25 LC 112 3203 within Lumpkin County, such as Wahoo, which had a population of 55 in 1900, and Grace,16 both of which were principal trading points in the region less than 10 miles from Dahlonega;17 and18 WHEREAS, many of the communities, settlements, and named locations on the map reflect19 a way of life that has since evolved due to industrialization, urbanization, and shifts in20 economic and social structures—even the towns of Stay and Tworun, once known as fertile21 regions, saw opportunities dry up and shift toward Dahlonega; and22 WHEREAS, preserving and recognizing this historical cartographi c record allows for a23 deeper appreciation of the county's heritage and provides insight into how landscapes such24 as Duke's Creek and its yellow metal in 1828 shaped the area and the state; and25 WHEREAS, the study and commemoration of these lost landmarks contribute to the broader26 understanding of Georgia's small-town history and the forces th at shaped its development27 throughout the 20th century.28 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that29 the members of this body recognize the historical significance of the 1911 Rand McNally30 map of Lumpkin County, Georgia, and encourage further efforts t o document, study, and31 educate the public about the county's evolving geography and cultural legacy.32 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized33 and directed to make appropriate copies of this resolution avai lable for distribution to the34 public and the press.35 H. R. 471 - 2 -