Historical Question # 79

What year were Whitfield County roads begun to be paved?

The Answer: coming soon!

The 79th question appeared in the May 2026 newsletter. Be sure to check the July 2026 Newsletter for the answer!

Historical Question # 78

What year did Catherine Evans Whitener make her first hand-tufted bedspread?

The Answer: 1895

The 78th question appeared in the March 2026 newsletter. Be sure to check the May 2026 Newsletter for the answer!

Historical Question # 77

It’s always at the end of the alphabetical list of Baptist churches in Murray County, but it’s near the top of the list chronologically, having been founded in 1847. Can you name it?

The Answer: Zion Hill

The 77th question appeared in the Jan. 2026 newsletter. Be sure to check the March. 2026 Newsletter for the answer!

Historical Question # 76

What events motivated the construction of Hamilton Memorial Hospital?

The Answer: The event that motivated the construction of the hospital was the 1918 Spanish Flu epidemic. The hospital, the first in Georgia to have air conditioning , opened in 1921.

The 76th question appeared in the Nov. 2025 newsletter. Be sure to check the Jan. 2026 Newsletter for the answer!

Historical Question # 75

Who owned the first automobile in Dalton?

The Answer: H. L. Smith, father of Lulu Westcott.

The 75th question appeared in the Sept. 2025 newsletter. Be sure to check the Nov. 2025 Newsletter for the answer!

Historical Question # 74

Moving into a building formally used by a Primitive Baptist Church, Rev. E.J. Deweese was the first pastor of this Murray County church founded in 1895. Descendants of some of the charter members still attend the church that--to borrow a phrase from an old hymn--God has led through a fire & a nearby flooded Conasauga River. 

The Answer: Free Hope Church

The 74th question appeared in the July 2025 newsletter. Be sure to check the September 2025 Newsletter for the answer!

Historical Question # 73

The pharmaceutical collections of two Whitfield Countians are located at the Hamilton House. Who are they?

The Answer: Ellis Owen, who owned and operated Owen Pharmacy in Dalton from 1948 until his retirement in 1975, & Dr. George Broadrick, who served Whitfield County as a general practitioner for sixty years, often being paid with such items as cattle, horses, mules & chickens. 

The 73rd question appeared in the May 2025 newsletter. Be sure to check the July 2025 Newsletter for the answer!

Historical Question # 72

What Chair Company made chairs in Dalton during the early years of the 1900s & still continues production today in Marietta, Ga.? It is famous for its rocking chairs. 

The Answer: Brumby Chair Company. 

The 72nd question appeared in the March 2025 newsletter. Be sure to check the May 2025 Newsletter for the answer!

Historical Question # 71

What clerk  of the Superior Court of Whitfield County was also a prolific poet? 

The Answer: William Martin Sapp, 1876-1941

The 71st question appeared in the January 2025 newsletter. Be sure to check the March 2025 Newsletter for the answer!

Historical Question # 70

Which Murray County physician was married to Katherine Wright (Kate) Raine's sister Essie?

The Answer: Dr. E. H. Dickie 

The 70th question appeared in the November 2024 newsletter. Be sure to check the January 2025 Newsletter for the answer!

Historical Question # 69

What was the first newspaper in Dalton? 

The Answer: The Mountain Eagle, founded in 1847.

The 69th question appeared in the September 2024 newsletter. Be sure to check the November 2024 Newsletter for the answer!

Historical Question # 68

What Whitfield native founded the oldest public historically Black college in Georgia, known today as the Savannah State University? He also served as the college's first president. 

The Answer: Richard Robert Wright, Sr. was born a slave in 1855 south of Dalton in Whitfield County, taken by his owner as a youngster with his mother to Cuthbert, GA, and freed in 1865 by the Thirteenth Amendment. He was valedictorian of Atlanta University's first graduating class, the highest-ranking African American officer in the Spanish-American War, the founder of one of the largest African American-owned & operated banks in the North, & advisor to several U.S. presidents. 

Thanks to Betsy McArthur for the question and answer! 

Be sure to look for an article on Mr. Wright in a future issue of our Journal! 

The 68th question appeared in the July 2024 newsletter. Be sure to check the September 2024 Newsletter for the answer!

Historical Question # 67

What was the first carpet industry plant built in Murray County? 

The Answer: Fort Mountain Spinners in 1965. (later known as Shaw Ind. Plant 84). Thanks to Dale Lowman for the question! 

The 67th question appeared in the May 2024 newsletter. Be sure to check the July 2024 Newsletter for the answer!

Historical Question # 66

The Crown Gardens and Archives, present WMHS headquarters, served as the office for the Crown Cotton Mill for many years. But where was the First Crown Cotton Mill office located?

The Answer: A one-story room was added at the tower base of the original Crown Cotton Mill in 1888 & intially serves as Crown's business office. It was to the right (east) of the main entrance. In 1894 a seperate brick building was constructed south of the mill, to which numerous addiditions were later made. This seperate building is now the WMHS headquarters. Thanks to Betsy McArthur for the question! 

The 66th question appeared in the March 2024 newsletter. Be sure to check the May 2024 Newsletter for the answer!

Historical Question # 65

What was Chatsworth's original "main street"? 

The Answer: The main intersection in the original town (before it was the county seat) was at Market St. & Second Ave. where the town well was located. 

The 65th question appeared in the January 2024 newsletter. The answer is found in March 2024 newsletter. 

Historical Question # 64

When did the tradition begin for lighting the star on Mt. Rachel for Christmas, and who started the tradition?

The Answer: Each Year since 1935, Dalton Utilities has lit the star on Mount Rachel, signaling to Dalton residents & visitors that the Christmas season has begun. 

The 64th question appeared in the November 2023 newsletter. Be sure to check the January 2024 Newsletter for the answer!

Historical Question # 63

Why is there a room dedicated to talc at the Chatsworth Depot?

 The Answer: Talc was at one time the number one export from the depot. Talc shipments prior to WW11 were the reason for the enlargement of the freight room (adding the extra set of freight doors). At the time, talc was used by welders to mark metal; and the US was busy building tanks, planes, and ships in preparation for the anticipated war efforts. 

The 63rd question appeared in the September 2023 newsletter. Be sure to check the November 2023 Newsletter for the answer!

Historical Question # 62

What is the oldest church in Whitfield County? 

The Answer: Poplar Springs was organized in 1836 and is now 187 years old. The original church was destroyed by the Union Army during the Civil War. There were poplar trees and a spring on the proprty. From that combination, the founders formed the name for the church, Thanks to Marcelle White for the question and answer. 

The 62nd question appeared in the July 2023 newsletter. Be sure to check the September 2023 Newsletter for the answer!

Historical Question # 61

This Murray County church's roots are in two churches from the 19th century-one called Rocky Face and the other named Mt. Sumach. The material of which the structure is built as solid as the mountains behind it. 

The Answer: Cisco

The 61st question appeared in the May 2023 newsletter. Be sure to check the July 2023 Newsletter for the answer!

Historical Question # 60

How many apartments were available to veterans?

The Answer: Veteran's Housing had 28 apartments in four buildings. Two buildings had six units, and two buildings had eight units. Of the 28 apartments, 14 had three rooms at $17 per month, 7 had four rooms at $19.50 per month, and 7 had five rooms at $22 per month. 

The 60th question appeared in the March 2023 newsletter. Be sure to check the May 2023 Newsletter for the answer!

Historical Question # 59

For What was the city of Dalton responsibilities in order to receive veterans' housing after WW11?

The Answer: The City was responsible for paying for the land, utility installation, & streets where housing was located. The City would be reimbursed through rents. 

The 59th question appeared in the January 2023 newsletter. Be sure to check the March 2023 Newsletter for the answer!

Historical Question # 58

Where did Dalton's Citizens' Planning Council procure the housing?

The Answer: Under the Mead Act, the federal government moved emergency war housing not in use where it was then situated-in our case Oak Ridge, TN- & set it up without expense to the city. 

The 58th question appeared in the November 2022 newsletter. Be sure to check the January 2023 Newsletter for the answer!

Historical Question # 57

Special housing for veterans was constructed in Dalton after World War 11. Where was it located? 

The Answer: Veterans housing was located on Veterans Drive off Cleveland Hwy. 

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 was sold to the historical 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 presidential 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 Washington 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 Chatsworth 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 September 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 descendants 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: This answer was skipped.

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,  Humphrey 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 author 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