Cedartown, GA
Cedartown is the historic county seat of Polk County, Georgia, a charming city with a diverse population of just over 10,000, known for its 1890s architecture and scenic outdoor recreation.
About the City
Official Status and Administrative Affiliation
- Official Name: Cedartown, Georgia.
- Administrative Role: Cedartown is the county seat of Polk County . It is the principal city of the Cedartown micropolitan area, which is part of the larger Atlanta–Athens-Clarke–Sandy Springs combined statistical area .
- Regional Context: The city is located in northwestern Georgia, approximately 50 miles west of Atlanta . Polk County is known for its rolling hills and position within the Piedmont Plateau and Ridge-and-Valley regions, which are smaller sections of the larger Appalachian Mountains .
Founding Date and Age
- Year Founded/First Mentioned: The settlement was first established in 1838 as Van Wert. It was renamed Cedartown in 1850 due to the abundant cedar trees in the area and was re-chartered by the state of Georgia in 1867 after being burnt during the Civil War .
- Current Age: Founded in its current incarnation in 1867, the city is 158 years old as of 2025.
- Founder and Legend: The area was first inhabited by Cherokee and Creek Native Americans. The most famous early white settler was Asa Prior. According to local legend, the rights to the valuable Big Spring were won for the white settlers by a local boy in a footrace against a Cherokee youth .
Geographic Position and Coordinates
- Geographic Coordinates: 34°0′55″N 85°15′14″W .
- Location and Natural Features: Cedartown is situated in northwest Georgia's Cedar Valley. The city is located near the headwaters of the Coosa River . Much of the surrounding county is covered in rolling hills, part of the Piedmont Plateau .
- Elevation: The city's elevation is approximately 840 feet (256 meters) above sea level .
- Settlement Type: From a geographic perspective, it is a small city nestled in a river valley, characteristic of the Appalachian foothills.
City Type and Economic Specialization
- Economic History: Cedartown historically was a major textile manufacturing hub, most notably with a large Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company textile mill operation, which also built a residential section for its workers .
- Current Economy: Today, the economy is more diversified, with key industries including manufacturing (automotive, chemicals, plastics), healthcare, education, and tourism .
Population and Demographics
- Population: The population was 10,190 at the 2020 census .
- City Class: With this population, Cedartown is considered a small city.
- Demographic Note: The city has a diverse population. The 2020 census showed a demographic composition of 44.72% non-Hispanic White, 33.7% Hispanic or Latino, and 17.55% Black or African American .
"Visiting Card" of the City
Cedartown offers a blend of small-town charm and natural beauty. Visitors come to explore its historic downtown, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and biking on the renowned Silver Comet Trail, which passes through the area. The city's connection to Big Spring and its historic districts provides a glimpse into Georgia's past .
Geography
Mountains and Ranges
While the city itself is not in a mountainous area, the surrounding Polk County features rolling hills and small mountains that are part of the Appalachian Mountains system.
- Shorty Mountain: Located near the unincorporated community of Etna in Polk County, this is the highest of these small mountains with an elevation of 1,610 ft (491 m) above sea level .
- Signal Mountain: Situated in nearby Rockmart, this is the most prominent mountain in the county, with a prominence of 360 ft (110 m) and an elevation of 1,290 ft (393 m) .
Water Bodies
- Lake Cedartown: A scenic lake within the city where visitors can enjoy fishing, picnicking, and walking along the trails that surround it .
- Coosa River: The city is situated near the headwaters of the Coosa River, which serves as a source of drinking water for the area .
- Big Spring: A historically significant spring in the city. According to legend, the water rights to this spring were won in a footrace between a local white boy and a Cherokee youth. It is now part of the Big Spring Park Historic District .
Climate and Weather
Climate Type and General Characteristics
Cedartown has a humid subtropical climate (Köppen Cfa) , characterized by mild winters and hot, humid summers . The area receives ample rainfall throughout the year.
Average Temperatures
- Seasons: Summers are hot, with July being the warmest month (average high of 91.0°F / 32.8°C). Winters are mild, with January being the coldest (average low of 32.3°F / 0.2°C) .
- Extreme Temperatures: The highest recorded temperature was 105°F (41°C), and the lowest recorded was -10°F (-23°C) .
Precipitation and Humidity
- Rainfall: Cedartown receives significant rainfall, averaging 52.83 inches (1,342 mm) per year. Rainfall is distributed fairly evenly throughout the year, with March typically being the wettest month and August the driest .
- Humidity: Humidity levels can be high, especially during the summer months, averaging around 83% .
Best Time to Visit
- Spring (March-May) and Fall (September-November): These seasons offer the most comfortable weather for outdoor activities, with mild to warm temperatures and lower humidity. The fall foliage in the nearby forests is particularly beautiful .
- Summer (June-August): Hot and humid, ideal for water-based activities at Lake Cedartown.
- Winter (December-February): Mild, but can occasionally see freezing temperatures. It's a quiet time for exploring the historic downtown and museums.
Landmarks
Historic Districts
Cedartown is home to multiple areas listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
- Cedartown Commercial Historic District: Recognized for its well-preserved 1890s architecture on Main Street .
- Northwest Cedartown Historic District and South Philpot Street Historic District: These districts preserve the residential and architectural heritage of the city .
- Cedartown Waterworks-Woman's Building-Big Spring Park Historic District: This unique district combines the city's historic infrastructure with a community building and the legendary Big Spring, a key site in the city's founding story .
Museums and Cultural Sites
- Cedartown Museum: Housed in the historic Cedartown Depot, the museum showcases the city's history through exhibits on local industries, culture, and notable events .
- Cedartown Depot: This historic train depot itself is a landmark and now serves as the city's museum .
Cemeteries and Memorials
- Rose Hill Cemetery: This is the burial site of Confederate General Braxton Bragg, a notable figure from the Civil War .
Transport
Major Highways
Cedartown is well-connected by several major highways, making it easily accessible by car.
- U.S. Route 27: A major north-south route that connects Cedartown to larger cities like Rome, Georgia (to the north) and Columbus, Georgia (to the south) .
- U.S. Route 278: This east-west highway runs through the main part of town, linking Cedartown to Rockmart, Georgia, to the east and Piedmont, Alabama, to the southwest .
- Georgia State Route 100: Runs south to north through the center of town, leading to Cave Spring and Tallapoosa .
Main Airports
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL): The nearest major international airport, located approximately 50 miles east of Cedartown, about a 45-minute to one-hour drive via I-75 and US-278 . It is the primary air gateway for the region.
- Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT): Located about 294 miles northeast of Cedartown, this is another major airport option for travelers .
Local Transportation
- Ridesharing: Services like Uber are available in Cedartown, offering an alternative to taxis for getting around town 24/7. Pickup times may be longer than in larger cities . Uber Eats is also available for food delivery .
- Car Rentals: Information on car rentals can be found through ridesharing apps or at the major Atlanta airport .
- Cycling and Walking: The Silver Comet Trail, a paved rail trail, is a major draw for cyclists and pedestrians. While it's about 30 minutes away by car from some parts of Cedartown, it is a key regional transportation link for recreation . The city has also planned investments in new sidewalks and street parks .