House Resolution 466
By: Representatives Wade of the 9th and Chastain of the 7th
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing the historical significance of the 1911 Rand McNally map of Dawson County,
Georgia; and for other purposes.
WHEREAS, the 1911 Rand McNally map of Dawson County, Georgia, provides a valuable
historical snapshot of the region's geography, infrastructure, and cultural landmarks as they
existed in the early 20th century; and
WHEREAS, the map highlights several communities that were once integral to the county's
social and economic fabric but have since diminished or disappeared, including Afton,
Amicalola, Barrettsville, Bright, Cogburn, Dawsonville, Dougherty, Fork, Hubbardsville,
Johntown, Juno, Landrum, Laurel, McKee, Palmour, Pots Mountain, Rockpile, Sarepta,
Warhill, and Yellowcreek, each of which played a significant role in the area's development
yet, over time, has been lost or absorbed into larger towns or counties; and
WHEREAS, Afton, once a vibrant agricultural community, was home to several prominent
families who were integral to the county's early growth; though the town has largely
disappeared, its agricultural legacy remains a part of Dawson County's historical fabric; and
WHEREAS, Amicalola, named after the nearby Amicalola Falls, was a center for early
tourism and a gathering place for people enjoying the natural beauty of the area; though the
town has faded, Amicalola Falls State Park continues to draw visitors to the region; and
WHEREAS, Barrettsville, a settlement that grew around early roadways and trade, once
served as a crossroads for travelers and commerce; though no longer a recognized
community, its role in facilitating early economic activity is an important chapter in Dawson
County's history; and
WHEREAS, Bright, a small agricultural settlement, was home to farms that helped feed the
local population, and its location along early transportation routes made it a vital part of
Dawson County's rural economy; and
WHEREAS, Cogburn, an early mill town, served as a critical source of local industry,
providing employment and economic stability to the area for many years; though now a
distant memory, the community's industrial past still influences the development of
surrounding areas; and
WHEREAS, Dawsonville, the county seat, remains a thriving town that has grown from its
early history as a bustling center of trade and commerce; its historical significance is
celebrated today, even as it continues to evolve into a modern community; and
WHEREAS, Dougherty, a small farming community, once contributed to the agricultural
wealth of Dawson County, and though it has long since been absorbed into surrounding
areas, its presence on the early map serves as a reminder of the county's agrarian past; and
WHEREAS, Fork, a settlement once situated at a key junction of early roads, played an
important role in the transportation networks that connected Dawson County with other parts
of Georgia—its location near multiple crossroads made it a vital stop for travelers; and
WHEREAS, Hubbardsville, an early logging community, helped fuel the industrial growth
of Dawson County by supplying timber for the burgeoning building industry—the area's
natural resources were once central to the county's economy, and Hubbardsville was one of
its key contributors; and
WHEREAS, Johntown, a settlement that arose alongside the rise of mining activities, saw
a brief period of prosperity before the mines played out and the town faded from the map;
its once-prominent role in the mining industry is now remembered by historians; and
WHEREAS, Juno, a small community that grew up near the mining and logging operations,
served as a key location for industry and trade; today, little remains of Juno, but its role in
shaping the area's early economy endures in local memory; and
WHEREAS, Landrum, once a farm town known for its rich soil and crops, was part of
Dawson County's early agricultural movement, supplying food to the region; though the town
has disappeared, its agricultural contributions remain a part of Dawson's history; and
WHEREAS, Laurel, a community that once thrived along the waterways of Dawson County,
provided natural resources and a place of residence for those who worked the land and the
rivers—its legacy continues in the county's ongoing connection to its waterways; and
WHEREAS, McKee, a small farming community, contributed to Dawson County's early
agricultural economy, and though it no longer exists as a town, its influence on local farming
practices can still be traced through the county's agricultural landscape; and
WHEREAS, Palmour, named after an early settler, was once a bustling hub for local
agriculture and trade—its absence today is a reminder of the changing nature of Dawson
County's rural economy; and
WHEREAS, Pots Mountain, an area once home to small settlements of miners and loggers,
provided key natural resources that helped fuel the economy of Dawson County in its early
years; and
WHEREAS, Rockpile, once an important stop for travelers on early roads, helped connect
Dawson County to surrounding areas and was a central location for commerce during its
peak; and
WHEREAS, Sarepta, a once-thriving religious community, was a place for spiritual
gatherings and social events; although the town no longer exists, its spiritual influence can
still be felt in the local churches and gatherings today; and
WHEREAS, Warhill, once home to a strong agricultural base, was a place where residents
worked the land and participated in community events—its history is intertwined with that
of neighboring areas that continue to carry on its traditions; and
WHEREAS, Yellowcreek, a rural community that was closely tied to agriculture and local
trade, provided a hub for farming families in Dawson County; while the town has
disappeared, its historical importance as part of the county's agrarian past endures; and
WHEREAS, the map illustrates the layout of early transportation networks, including historic
roadways, railways, and settlements that shaped the development of small towns and rural
communities within Dawson County; and
WHEREAS, many of the communities, settlements, and named locations on the map reflect
a way of life that has since evolved due to industrialization, urbanization, and shifts in
economic and social structures; and
WHEREAS, preserving and recognizing this historical cartographic record allows for a
deeper appreciation of the county's heritage and provides insight into how the landscape and
society have changed over time; and
WHEREAS, the study and commemoration of these lost or transformed landmarks contribute
to the broader understanding of Georgia's small-town history and the forces that shaped its
development throughout the 20th century.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that
the members of this body recognize the historical significance of the 1911 Rand McNally
map of Dawson County, Georgia, and encourage further efforts to document, study, and
educate the public about the county's evolving geography and cultural legacy.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized
and directed to make appropriate copies of this resolution available for distribution to the
public and the press.