The History of Woodstock, GA
What You Should Know About Woodstock
Woodstock is a small but fast-growing city located in Central Georgia, approximately 50 kilometers from Atlanta’s central business district. Ranked among the fastest-growing suburban communities in the United States, the city is home to a population of approximately 35,000 residents according to a 2018 survey. Apart from being a prominent residential community, the city also boasts of a fast-growing economy which is mostly based on commerce and tourism.
Woodstock And The Cherokees
Being part of Cherokee County, the area that became Woodstock was originally inhabited by the Cherokee and Creek Indians. Just like most cities in Georgia, the establishment of Woodstock was as a result of the famous Georgia Gold Rush. It is believed that at least 3000 people moved to what is now Cherokee County in pursuit of the gold. Eventually, they were joined by their families and settled into small mining and farming settlements, one of which became the city of Woodstock.
The name Woodstock dates back to 1833. Although it is widely accepted that the name was derived from Walter Scott’s famous 1826 novel by the same name, there are at least two other theories that try to explain the origin of the name. One of the theories goes on to suggest that at some point, the city was a busy wood depot where trains would restock their supplies. With no tangible proof to support any of the theories, the real origin of the name remains somewhat of an enigma.
Woodstock, Georgia Then And Now
During its initial stages of development, Woodstock was a prominent agricultural and industrial settlement. Allegedly, the settlement produced over 2,000 bales of cotton every year. It is also believed that the city’s pioneers helped establish innovative farming methods in Cherokee County.
Following the 1879 construction of the Marietta and Canton Railway line, a passenger and freight depot was established in Woodstock. In the years that followed, the town experienced considerable growth both in size and population. As a result, it was incorporated as a city in 1897. At the time, Woodstock was a thriving trading center specializing in cotton and rope among other agricultural products. A few decades later, it would become the first city to install street lights in Cherokee county.
Today, Woodstock has evolved from what was ones a popular agricultural settlement into a small residential city with a bustling central business district, modern amenities, and state-of-the-art infrastructure. Its strategic location along State Highway 92 and Interstate 575 gives it a great potential for even more growth in the coming years.
