Overview

Cherokee County is a county in the United States located in the north-central part of the state of Georgia. It lies within the greater Atlanta metropolitan area and combines suburban communities, small towns and rural stretches. The county is named for the Cherokee people who lived in the region prior to their forced removal in the 1830s.

History

The county was established in the early 19th century as European-American settlement expanded into lands long inhabited by the Cherokee Nation. The 1830s brought dramatic change: removal of the Cherokee people from much of Georgia and subsequent organization of county government and towns. Over the following two centuries Cherokee County evolved from an agricultural area into a suburban ring around Atlanta.

Geography and transportation

Cherokee County sits at the southern edge of the Appalachian foothills. Rivers and reservoirs, including sections of the Etowah River and Lake Allatoona to the west, shape recreational and natural areas. Transportation corridors include north–south highways and an expressway spur that link the county with Atlanta, making it a commuter region as well as a destination for weekend recreation.

Population, government and communities

According to the 2010 census the county had a population of 214,346. Since the late 20th century it has experienced rapid growth as suburbs expanded outward. The county seat is Canton, and local government is organized around a board of commissioners with several municipalities and unincorporated communities. The designation of county seat is a focal point for public services and history; see the entry for county seat matters for local administration.

Economy, education and recreation

The local economy mixes retail, services, light manufacturing and commuting to jobs in the Atlanta region. Public education is provided by a county school system that serves the growing population; there are also private schools and small colleges in the area. Outdoor recreation is notable, with boating, fishing and trails around lakes and rivers, municipal parks, and historic sites that reflect both Native American and 19th‑century frontier eras.

Notable facts

  • Named for the Cherokee people, with a history tied to 19th‑century removal and resettlement.
  • Part of the Atlanta metropolitan area and affected by suburban growth and development patterns.
  • Contains a mix of small towns and suburban neighborhoods, with outdoor amenities along rivers and reservoirs.