In each newsletter, we ask a question about local history.
Historical Question # 57
Special housing for veterans was constructed in Dalton after World War 11. Where was it located?
The Answer: coming soon!
The 57th question appeared in the September 2022 newsletter. Be sure to check the November 2022 Newsletter for the answer!
Historical Question # 56
When was the railroad moved away from the Chatsworth Depot?
The Answer: The tracks were not moved. In 1988 the depot as sold to the hisorical society; and in 1989, it was moved off the CSX property to its current location. Thanks to Ted Yarbrough for the question.
The 56th question appeared in the July 2022 newsletter. Be sure to check the September 2022 Newsletter for the answer!
Historical Question # 55
What was the name of FDR's private presidental train car?
The Answer: The car was named the Ferdinand Magellan. It was renumbered to US 1 during FDR's presidental term. The car is currently on display at the Gold Coast Railroad Museum in Miami, Florida and carries both the name and number on its side. Thanks to Ted Yarbrough for the question!
The 55th question appeared in the May 2022 newsletter. Be sure to check the July 2022 Newsletter for the answer!
Historical Question # 54
We have often heard the phrase, "George Washinton slept here". With that in mind, which President slept at the Chatsworth Depot?
The Answer: FDR slept in his private train car outside the depot on his way to Warm Springs. The car parked on the rails beside the depot, and the telegraph operator stayed all night in the depot in case messages were received.
The 54th question appeared in the March 2022 newsletter. Be sure to check the May 2022 Newsletter for the answer!
Historical Question # 53
Before Cohutta National Fish Hatchery was built, what structure was situated on that site?
The Answer:
The Cohutta Hotel. W.L. Williams built the large 39-room resort hotel in 1908, but the structure was destroyed by fire in 1938.
The 53rd question appeared in the January 2022 newsletter. Be sure to check the March 2022 Newsletter for the answer!
Historical Question # 52
What mountain does the railroad tunnel at Tunnel Hill pass through?
The Answer: Chetoogeta Mountain
The 52nd question appeared in the November 2021 newsletter. Be sure to check the January 2022 Newsletter for the answer!
Historical Question # 51
What other town was competing with Chatworth in the early 1900s to be the new county seat of Murray County when it was moved from Spring Place?
The Answer: Eton
The 51st question appeared in the Septmeber 2021 newsletter. Be sure to check the November 2021 Newsletter for the answer!
Historical Question # 49
William Jackson was the only charter deacon of this church when it organized in 1848, first meeting in a log building that doubled as a school. Mr. Jackson's house--originally a dog-trot cabin--still stands on Jinkins Road, and some of this decendants still attend the church.
The Answer: Holly Creek Baptist Church
The 49th question appeared in the July 2021 newsletter. Be sure to check the July 2021 Newsletter for the answer!
Historical Question # 48
What Dalton author (1858-1919) was one of the most popular novelists in America during the first two decades of the 20th century?
The people of north Georgia were often inspired for his works, and Dalton was fictionalized as the town of "Darley".
The Answer:
The 48th question appeared in the May 2021 newsletter.
Historical Question # 47
Lela Latch Lloyd authored the book, If the Chief Vann House Could Speak, which is still sold at the site today. What is her connection to Murray County?
The Answer: She was born in the 1899 Latch home built by her grandfather and father. The house still stands in Murray County today as a private residence.
The 47th question appeared in the March 2021 newsletter. Be sure to check the May 2021 Newsletter for the answer!
Historical Question # 46
For what purpose was the General Exhibit Building at the North Georgia Fairgrounds originally used?
The Answer: A cattle auction house. After its usefulness ended as an auction barn, it was sold to the North Georgia Fair Association in 1952.
The 46th question appeared in the January 2021 newsletter. Be sure to check the March 2021 Newsletter for the answer!
Historical Question # 45
This Murray County church is a successor to an old congregation that met in a log building until it disbanded during the Civil War. It was reorganized in 1876, and Rev. Miley Winkler was ordained there in 1951. Those Winkler girls are still singing the songs they learned from him at this church! Can you name it?
The Answer: Thanks to Tim Howard for the question and answer: Cool Springs Baptist Church
The 45th question appeared in the November 2020 newsletter. Be sure to check the January 2021 Newsletter for the answer!
Historical Question # 44
Did Fort Hill have a name, and in which war was it used as a fort?
The Answer: Thanks to Marvin Sowder for the following information. Fort Hill was named for two Union Army forts constructed on top of the hill in 1864. These fortifications were used through the end of the war.
In the fall of 1909, Foster Seabold purchased the top of Fort Hill and develpoed a subdivision on Spencer, Green, and Henderson streets. His company was Dependable Real Estate Company, so he renamed Fort Hill as Fort Dependable. He tried to get veterans to buy the fort sites & also offered it to the city as a park if they would pay the city and county taxes: both options failed.
Seabold sold a number of building lots before his death in 1916. Fort Dependable (Fort Hill) --even though it was private property- was used by the public as a park from 1909 to 1916. Seabold planted trees and placed benches under them for the veterans and others to rest in the shade.
Crawford High School-later known as Jospeh Brown Academy-was built on Fort Hill. It was torn down. Fort Hill School was built in 1911 and still stands today.
The 44th question appeared in the September 2020 newsletter. Be sure to check the November 2020 Newsletter for the answer!
Historical Question # 43
It's the only church in Murray County founded by women! At least one of the ladies was officially designated as "deaconess" so she could conduct business on behalf of the Ladies' Aid Society & the congregation to which they gave birth in the schoolhouse in 1907. Can you name it?
The Answer: Chatsworth Baptist Church
The 43rd question appeared in the July 2020 newsletter. Be sure to check the September 2020 Newsletter for the answer!
Historical Question # 42
What book by Dalton author, Will N. Harben, was banned in Boston?
The Answer: White Marie, a story of a Caucasian girl raised as a slave, was published in 1889. The novel was supposedly based on a true local incident. White Marie joined other famous works by being banned in Boston; among them were novels by Ernest Hemingway, plays by Eugene O'Neill, and even the Everly Brothers' 1950's song, "Wake up, little Suzie!".
The 42nd question appeared in the May 2020 newsletter. Be sure to check the July 2020 Newsletter for the answer!
Historical Question # 41
Probably the oldest Baptist church - not just in Murray County, but in our entire area - began as a mission to the Cherokees as early as the 1820's. Well-known missionary & teacher, Hunphrey Posey, from North Carolina, was most likely the founder. Who can name it?
The Answer: Spring Place Baptist Church
The 41st question appeared in the March 2020 newsletter. Be sure to check the May 2020 Newsletter for the answer!
Historical Question # 40
What 1968 Dalton High graduate moved to New York where he has written plays & TV soap opera scripts?
The Answer: Lloyd "Lucky" Gold.
The 40th question appeared in the January 2020 newsletter. Be sure to check the March 2020 Newsletter for the answer!
Historical Question # 39
What extremely well-known mayor of Atlanta was an investor in Murray County's Talc Industry? One of Zoo Atlanta's most famous residents was his namesake!
The Answer: William B. Hartsfield (Willie B was named for him.)
The 39th question appeared in the November 2019 newsletter. Be sure to check the January 2020 Newsletter for the answer!
Historical Question # 38
What local aurthor penned the children's book, What Was That?
The answer: Virginia "Geda" Bradley Mathews wrote the story as well as many poems and plays for young people.
The 38th question appeared in the September 2019 newsletter. Be sure to check the November 2019 Newsletter for the answer!
Historical Question # 37
What 19th century Georgia governor, a relative of the Carters at Carter's Quarter, has a little daughter buried in the Carter Family Cemetery on Old U.S. 411?
The 37th question appeared in the July 2019 newsletter. Be sure to check the September 2019 Newsletter for the answer!
Answer: Governor Alfred Holt Colquitt's daughter died while visiting the Carters home in 1867.
Historical Question # 36
What Mormon missionary was murdered in Whitfield County?
Answer: Joseph Standing (1854-1879) He was murdered by a mob of 12 men. Read more about him in the New Georgia Encyclopedia online. A marker dedicated to his memory is on Standing Road in Cohutta.
The 36th question appeared in the May 2019 newsletter