Loading map...

1896 Map of Cartersville

Name: 1896 Topographic Map of Cartersville
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1939
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1939

About this map

The Etowah River carves a central path through this late-19th-century landscape, acting as a focal point for the region's early transportation network. Dozens of river crossings are documented here, from the Akerman Ferry and Webster Ferry to the Wooden Bridge and Free Bridge. These crossings connected agricultural settlements like Lillypond, Sonora, and Fairmount to the industrial and trade hubs forming along the iron rails.

Rail infrastructure dominated the era’s economy, with the Western and Atlantic Railroad passing through Adairsville and Cartersville, while the Marietta and North Georgia Railroad served the eastern sections near Woodstock. Industry is further evidenced by family-operated landmarks such as Martins Mill and Cherokee Mills. To the north, the elevation rises sharply toward Pine Log Mountain and Sharp Top, marking the rugged transition between the valley floors and the northern highlands.