HISTORIC ACWORTH

The Cherokee Nation lived in the area until the early 1830’s. The Western and Atlantic Railroad began  operation in 1845 in Atlanta, bringing progress northward to Northcutt Station, the first northbound water  stop on the new track. Joseph Gregg, a railroad engineer, renamed this stop after his hometown of  Acworth, New Hampshire. Acworth prospered as a busy trade center and was incorporated as a city in  December 1860.

The Civil War brought “The Great Locomotive Chase” through Acworth in April 1862 when James Andrew’s  Raiders stole the famous engine, “The General,” in nearby Big Shanty. Sherman was headquartered in  Acworth for several days. The town was spared the torch until November 1864; many homes and buildings  were burned.

In 1950, Lake Allatoona was completed and it, along with Lake Acworth, created recreational opportunities.  Today, Acworth is the center of a thriving, vibrant community.