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Calhoun, Georgia
Calhoun, Georgia
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Calhoun is a city in Gordon County, Georgia, United States. As of the 2020 census, the city had a population of 16,949. Calhoun is the county seat of Gordon County.[6][7]

Key Information

History

[edit]

In December 1827, Georgia had already claimed the Cherokee lands that became Gordon County and other counties. A small town called "Dawsonville" was created and founded in Gordon County, named for the owner of an early general store.[8] Dawsonville was later renamed "Calhoun" to honor U.S. Senator John C. Calhoun,[9] following his death in 1850.

Gordon County's inferior court called an election for the selection of the county seat, offering voters a choice between a site on the Western & Atlantic Railroad (near Adairsville) or a site more centrally located within the county. Voters chose a site along the railroad, so the inferior court designated Calhoun as county seat in 1851. The legislature incorporated Calhoun in an act approved on January 12, 1852.[10]

On January 5, 1861, Georgia seceded from the Union as a prelude to the American Civil War. Calhounians joined the Confederacy. Most warfare took place elsewhere, but on May 16, 1864, Calhoun was near where the Union General William Tecumseh Sherman and Confederate General Joseph E. Johnston postured before the Battle of Adairsville during Sherman's Atlanta campaign. Oakleigh, the home of Dr. Wall, was used by Sherman as his headquarters at that time.

A tornado on March 20, 1888, leveled much of Calhoun. A devastating fire on October 23 of that year destroyed most of what remained.[11]

Geography

[edit]

Calhoun is located west of the center of Gordon County at 34°30′0″N 84°56′33″W / 34.50000°N 84.94250°W / 34.50000; -84.94250 (34.499898, -84.942584),[12] along the Oostanaula River where it is joined by Oothkalooga Creek. It is part of the Coosa River/Alabama River watershed.

U.S. Route 41 passes through the center of town as Wall Street, and Interstate 75 runs along the eastern edge of the city, with access from Exits 310, 312, 315, 317, and 318. I-75 leads north 49 miles (79 km) to Chattanooga, Tennessee, and south 68 miles (109 km) to Atlanta. US-41, running parallel to I-75, leads north 5 miles (8.0 km) to Resaca and south 10 miles (16 km) to Adairsville. Georgia State Route 156 runs west out of town as West Line Street, leading 18 miles (29 km) to Armuchee, and heads east out of town as Red Bud Road, leading 8 miles (13 km) to Red Bud. Georgia State Route 373 (East Line Street and Dews Pond Road) leads east 8 miles (13 km) to Cash. Georgia State Route 136 (North River Street) leads northwest 30 miles (48 km) to LaFayette. Georgia State Route 53 passes through the southern part of Calhoun, leading east 15 miles (24 km) to Fairmount and southwest 22 miles (35 km) to Rome.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city of Calhoun has a total area of 15.0 square miles (38.9 km2), of which 14.9 square miles (38.7 km2) is land and 0.1 square miles (0.2 km2), or 0.64%, is water.[13]

Climate

[edit]

The climate in this area is characterized by relatively high temperatures and evenly distributed precipitation throughout the year. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Calhoun has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.[14]

Climate data for Calhoun, Georgia
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 10
(50)
13
(55)
18
(64)
23
(73)
27
(80)
31
(87)
32
(90)
32
(89)
29
(84)
23
(74)
17
(63)
12
(54)
22
(72)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) −2
(28)
−1
(31)
3
(38)
8
(46)
12
(54)
17
(62)
19
(66)
18
(65)
14
(58)
8
(46)
3
(37)
−1
(30)
8
(47)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 130
(5.1)
130
(5.1)
160
(6.2)
120
(4.8)
110
(4.4)
100
(4)
110
(4.5)
94
(3.7)
110
(4.2)
84
(3.3)
110
(4.2)
120
(4.8)
1,380
(54.2)
Source: Weatherbase[15]

Demographics

[edit]
Historical population
CensusPop.Note
1870427
188051019.4%
189068033.3%
190085125.1%
19101,65294.1%
19201,95518.3%
19302,37121.3%
19402,95524.6%
19503,2319.3%
19603,58711.0%
19704,74832.4%
19805,56317.2%
19907,13528.3%
200010,66749.5%
201015,65046.7%
202016,9498.3%
U.S. Decennial Census[16]
Calhoun Railroad Depot was one of the train stations in 1862 where the Great Locomotive Chase passed from Adairsville, Georgia.
1960 courthouse on the site of former 1880 courthouse
Oakleigh, once a headquarters of General Sherman and home of Dr. Wall, now Gordon Historical Society

2020 census

[edit]
Calhoun Racial Composition[17]
Race Num. Perc.
White 10,204 60.2%
Black or African American 1,154 6.81%
Native American 26 0.15%
Asian 454 2.68%
Pacific Islander 6 0.04%
Other/Mixed 708 4.18%
Hispanic or Latino 4,397 25.94%

As of the 2020 United States census, there were 16,949 people, 6,088 households, and 4,001 families residing in the city.

2000 census

[edit]

As of the census[4] of 2000, there were 10,667 people, 4,049 households, and 2,672 families residing in the city. The population density was 915.4 inhabitants per square mile (353.4/km2). There were 4,298 housing units at an average density of 368.8 per square mile (142.4/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 77.91% White, 7.56% African American, 0.42% Native American, 1.00% Asian, 0.14% Pacific Islander, 11.61% from other races, and 1.36% from two or more races. 17.07% of the population was Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 4,049 households, out of which 30.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.8% were married couples living together, 13.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.0% were non-families. 28.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.56 and the average family size was 3.07.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 24.2% under the age of 18, 11.2% from 18 to 24, 31.0% from 25 to 44, 20.1% from 45 to 64, and 13.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 98.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.7 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $33,618, and the median income for a family was $42,310. Males had a median income of $27,616 versus $25,018 for females. The per capita income for the city was $19,887. About 12.5% of families and 16.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 20.8% of those under age 18 and 19.1% of those age 65 or over.

Arts and culture

[edit]

Museums and other points of interest

[edit]
Sam's Tree House

Education

[edit]

Calhoun City School District

[edit]

The Calhoun City School District serves preschool to grade twelve, and consists of two elementary schools, a middle school, and a high school, separate from the county school district.[21] The district has 166 full-time teachers and over 2,666 students.[22]

  • Calhoun Early Learning Academy - grades Pre-K–K
  • Calhoun Primary School - grades 1–3
  • Calhoun Elementary School - grade 4–6
  • Calhoun Middle School - grades 7–8
  • Calhoun High School

Gordon County School District

[edit]

The Gordon County School District holds grades pre-school to grade twelve, that consists of six elementary schools, two middle schools and two high schools, serving the area outside the city limits.[23] The district has 365 full-time teachers and over 6,259 students.[22]

  • Red Bud Elementary Grades Pre-K–5
  • W.L Swain Elementary Grades Pre-K–5
  • Belwood Elementary School Pre-K–5
  • Sonoraville Elementary School Pre-K–5
  • Fairmount Elementary School Pre-K–5
  • Max V. Tolbert Elementary School Pre-K–5
  • Ashworth Middle School Grades 6–8
  • Red Bud Middle School Grades 6–8
  • Gordon Central High School Grades 9–12
  • Sonoraville High School Grades 9–12

Religious schools

[edit]

Seventh-day Adventist

[edit]

Higher education

[edit]

Media

[edit]

Print

[edit]

The twice-weekly Calhoun Times established in 1870 is Gordon County's oldest operating business.[24] With home delivery print editions each Wednesday and Saturday, the paper also has a website and various social media. Blake Silvers has been managing editor of the Calhoun Times since January 2021.[25]

Radio and TV

[edit]

Although well outside of metro Atlanta, Calhoun is considered part of the Atlanta television market, the ninth-largest DMA according to Nielsen Media Research. Cable TV service is offered through Comcast Cable, which provides one public, educational, and government access (PEG) cable TV channel named WEBS cable 3.

There are now four radio stations having Calhoun as their city of license:

  • WEBS AM 1030, playing oldies, simulcasts on local Xfinity cable channel 3; station originally broadcast on AM 1110, from approximately 1965–1990.
  • WIPK FM 94.5, owned by WEBS, went on-air in late 2011 with a country music format.
  • WJTH AM 900, playing country music; frequency was earlier assigned to WCGA, which broadcast from approximately 1950–1975.
    • W269CC 101.7, transmitting WJTH programming from WJTH tower, but having nearby Adairsville as the city of license.
  • WLOJ-LP 102.9, religious (owned and operated by the Calhoun Seventh-day Adventist Church ).

Many other stations from Rome, Atlanta, and Chattanooga are also available across northwest Georgia, though reception of these often depends on weather.

Notable people

[edit]
  • Elias Boudinot (1802–1839), born Gallegina Uwati, also known as Buck Watie, Cherokee leader who believed that acculturation was critical to the tribe's survival; influential in the period of removal to the West.
  • Ken Carson (2000-), American rapper
  • Charlie Culberson Major League Baseball player
  • Kris Durham, professional football player; wide receiver for the Oakland Raiders
  • Roland Hayes (1887–1977), world-renowned lyric tenor, considered the first African-American male concert artist to receive wide acclaim both at home and internationally, born here and attended Calhoun schools
  • McCartney Kessler (1999-), American professional tennis player; active in the WTA Tour since 2024.
  • Tre Lamb, college football coach for the Tulsa Golden Hurricanes.
  • Bert Lance (1931–2013), businessman, and former director of the Office of Management and Budget during the Carter administration
  • James Beverly Langford (1922–1996), lawyer, businessman, and Georgia state legislator
  • John Meadows III (1944–2018), Businessman, Mayor of Calhoun, and Georgia state legislator
  • Larkin Poe, music duo.
  • Sequoyah (English: George Gist or George Guess) (c.1767–1843), Cherokee, inventor of the Cherokee Syllabary. This was the only time in recorded history that a member of a non-literate people independently created an effective writing system. He was also the namesake of California's giant Sequoia sempervirens redwood tree.
  • William Thompson (1848–1918), Olympic gold medal winner
  • Stand Watie (1806–1871), Cherokee leader and Confederate general
  • Dale Willis (1938–2021), Major League Baseball player

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Calhoun is a city in Gordon County, northwestern Georgia, , serving as the with a 2023 population of 17,611. Incorporated in 1852 and named for statesman , it lies along Interstate 75 in the valley once central to the . The city emerged as a transportation nexus with railroads and highways, playing a strategic role in the Civil War as the site of nearby engagements and briefly as headquarters for Union General William T. Sherman in 1864. Its economy revolves around manufacturing, especially textiles, bolstered by mills established in the early 1900s. Defining features include cultural institutions like the Harris Arts Center and the Roland Hayes Museum, honoring the locally born tenor, alongside historical ties to Native American heritage and preserved architecture such as the Brown House.

History

Pre-Colonial and Cherokee Period

The region encompassing present-day Calhoun and Gordon County formed part of the ancestral homeland of the , one of the most populous Native American societies in the during the 18th and early 19th centuries. Archaeological findings and Cherokee oral traditions indicate that their forebears had occupied this territory, including areas along the Oostanaula and Coosawattee rivers, for numerous generations prior to European contact, with evidence of sustained habitation dating back well before Spanish expeditions in the 1540s. The landscape, characterized by fertile valleys and forested uplands, supported hunting grounds and early villages, serving as a vital game preserve through unrecorded centuries. Cherokee settlements in the area included sites such as Gansagi, one of several villages that likely rose and fell over time amid the nation's decentralized town-based structure. By the early 19th century, the Cherokee had developed a more centralized , culminating in the establishment of —located about three miles north of modern Calhoun—as their national capital in 1825. At , Cherokee leaders adopted a in 1827 modeled on the U.S. framework, reflecting influences from interactions with American settlers and missionaries; the site featured council houses, a supreme court, and printing operations for the , the first Native American newspaper, launched in 1828 using Sequoyah's syllabary script invented in 1821. Economic activities centered on , with crops like corn, beans, and squash cultivated on family farms, supplemented by livestock herding introduced via trade with Europeans. Tensions escalated with white encroachment following gold discoveries in nearby Dahlonega in 1828, prompting Georgia's state legislature to extend jurisdiction over lands in 1829 and leading to the federal of 1830. Despite legal resistance, including the U.S. Supreme Court's 1832 ruling in affirming sovereignty, President refused enforcement, facilitating state seizures. The period in Gordon County concluded with forced removal under the (1835), signed by a minority faction, resulting in the detachment of 1838–1839, during which approximately 16,000 were marched westward, with mortality estimates of 4,000 to 6,000 from disease, exposure, and hardship. Lands were subsequently distributed via lottery to white settlers starting in 1832.

19th-Century Settlement and Founding

The area encompassing modern Calhoun was part of territory, known as Oothcaloga, meaning "Place of the Beaver Dams," prior to the forced removal of the along the in 1838–1839. Following the removal, the land opened to white settlement, though significant development did not occur until the late 1840s with the arrival of the Western & Atlantic Railroad, which facilitated transportation and commerce. A settlement initially called Dawsonville formed along the railroad line in the late 1840s. Gordon County was established on February 13, 1850, by the from portions of Cass (later Bartow) and Floyd counties, named for William Washington Gordon, a Georgia legislator and railroad promoter. That same year, the settlement was renamed Calhoun in honor of Senator and , who died in 1850, reflecting the political influence of his supporters amid debates over his legacy. Calhoun was selected as the through a popular vote in 1850 or 1851, owing to its strategic position on the railroad. The incorporated Calhoun as a on , 1852. Early infrastructure included the construction of the county's first that year, a two-story building, and the railroad depot around 1852–1853, which supported passenger and freight services essential to the town's growth as a commercial hub. These developments marked Calhoun's transition from a nascent railroad stop to a formalized municipal center in the antebellum period.

Civil War and Reconstruction

Calhoun's strategic location along the positioned it as a key point during the , particularly amid William T. Sherman's launched in May 1864 from . The nearby , fought May 13–15 in Gordon County approximately 10 miles east of Calhoun, marked the campaign's first major engagement, pitting Sherman's 100,000 Union troops against General Joseph E. Johnston's 60,000 Confederates; though tactically inconclusive with Union casualties around 4,700 and Confederate losses exceeding 5,000, it prompted Johnston's withdrawal across the Oostanaula River. On May 16, 1864, following the Resaca retreat, Confederate Lieutenant Generals and directed their corps along the direct road into Calhoun before proceeding to Adairsville, while Lieutenant General John Bell Hood's corps paralleled eastward; Union forces under Sherman simultaneously probed river crossings nearby, including at Lay's Ferry south of the town, where elements of the XVI Corps used pontoon boats on May 14 amid reports of Confederate activity upstream. A limited Union cavalry engagement, the Battle of Rome Cross Roads, unfolded that same day a short distance west of Calhoun, as Kenner Garrard pursued retreating Confederates, resulting in minor casualties but disrupting supply lines. Sherman's advancing armies subsequently targeted rail facilities and supplies in the vicinity, severing Confederate logistics and inflicting economic hardship on local farms and depots. In the (1865–1877), Calhoun shared Georgia's experience of federal military governance under acts like the Reconstruction Act of 1867, which divided the state into military districts and mandated ratification of the 14th Amendment for readmission to the Union, achieved in 1870. Gordon County's boundaries, encompassing Calhoun, underwent multiple legislative adjustments between 1852 and 1877 to resolve territorial disputes with adjacent counties, reflecting administrative realignments amid postwar instability. Economic recovery centered on agriculture, with small-scale farming resuming on depleted lands, though the region's reliance on railroads for transport delayed full restoration until the late 1870s; no major racial violence or unique political upheavals specific to Calhoun are documented, unlike broader Georgia patterns of Democratic "redeemer" resurgence by 1871.

20th-Century Industrial Growth

In 1907, the Echota was established in Calhoun on North College Street, initiating the town's and spurring broader manufacturing growth in Gordon County. This facility, drawing on regional agriculture and rail access via the , represented the first major in the immediate area and laid the groundwork for subsequent operations. By leveraging low-cost local labor and raw materials, such mills shifted Calhoun's economy from agrarian dependence toward industrialized production, with expansions continuing into the mid-20th century. Transportation infrastructure further accelerated industrial expansion. The completion of the —now U.S. Highway 41—in 1917 through Calhoun facilitated the distribution of textiles, including chenille bedspreads sold along the route's "Peacock Alley." The mid-20th-century construction of Interstate 75 enhanced connectivity to and Chattanooga, enabling larger-scale manufacturing and attracting investment in and outboard motors alongside textiles. These developments capitalized on the railroad's established role in goods transport, transforming Calhoun into a logistics hub for northwest Georgia's emerging industries. By the mid-20th century, cotton mills had evolved into a dominant carpet and sector, positioning Gordon County as a manufacturing powerhouse. Calhoun emerged as a key center for this industry, building on early textile expertise to produce that accounted for a substantial portion of regional output, though precise figures from the era remain tied to broader trends rather than isolated town data. This growth reflected causal links between initial mill investments, infrastructural improvements, and market demand for floor coverings, sustaining economic momentum through the century's end.

Geography

Physical Setting

Calhoun lies in the northwestern part of Georgia within Gordon County, at coordinates approximately 34°30′N 84°57′W. The city is positioned in the Valley and Ridge physiographic province, the westernmost region of the , characterized by parallel northeast-southwest trending ridges and intervening valleys sculpted by differential erosion of folded and faulted sedimentary rocks from the Alleghenian . This topography includes long ridges separated by fertile valleys, contributing to the area's agricultural suitability. The surrounding terrain features rolling hills and valleys, with Calhoun's elevation averaging 659 feet (201 meters) above . The Oostanaula originates just northeast of the from the of the Coosawattee and Conasauga rivers and flows southwestward through the region, forming a key hydrological feature that supports local ecosystems and .

Climate

Calhoun features a (Köppen Cfa), characterized by hot, humid summers and mild to cool winters with no . The annual average temperature is approximately 59°F (15°C), with highs averaging 71°F (22°C) and lows 47°F (8°C). totals about 53.54 inches (1,360 mm) yearly, distributed fairly evenly but peaking in winter and summer months. Summer months (June–August) bring oppressive heat and humidity, with average daily highs of 88–90°F (31–32°C) and lows around 68–70°F (20–21°C); is typically the warmest, often exceeding 90°F on multiple days. Winters (December–February) are short and variable, with January averages of 51°F (11°C) highs and 33°F (1°C) lows, though cold snaps can drop temperatures below freezing. Spring and fall serve as transitional seasons, with mild temperatures and increasing activity. The area receives about 1227 mm (48 inches) of annual rainfall, contributing to lush vegetation but also flood risks during heavy downpours. Extreme temperatures are moderated by the region's inland location in the Appalachian foothills, but records include highs near 100°F (38°C) in summer and lows dipping to around 0°F (-18°C) during rare outbreaks. , including thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes, occurs primarily in spring, influenced by the proximity to the and jet stream patterns.
MonthAvg High (°F)Avg Low (°F)Precipitation (in)
Jan51335.55
Jul9070~4.5 (annual avg distributed)
Annual714753.54
Data derived from long-term averages; monthly precipitation varies but lacks extreme .

Government and Politics

Municipal Government

Calhoun operates under a mayor-council form of government, with policy-making authority vested in an elected mayor and four city council members representing individual posts. The mayor and council collectively appoint the city administrator, who oversees general government operations, and the director of utilities, reflecting a structure that combines elected leadership with professional administration. This setup aligns with Georgia's common municipal frameworks, where the council holds legislative power while administrative functions are delegated to appointed officials. Elections for the and all posts occur in odd-numbered years, with terms lasting four years; as of October 2025, the next is scheduled for November 4. meetings are held biweekly on the second and fourth Mondays at 7:00 p.m. in the Depot Community Room at 109 South King Street, ensuring at least 24 sessions annually to address ordinances, budgets, and public business. The current mayor is James F. Palmer, who leads including power over decisions and representation of the city. The city comprises:
  • Post 1: Jackie Palazzolo
  • Post 2: Al Edwards
  • Post 3: Ed Moyer (serving as mayor pro tem, selected annually in )
  • Post 4: Ray Denmon
Judicial matters fall under the Calhoun Municipal Court, which convenes Mondays at 5:00 p.m. at 100 Piedmont Street and contracts private attorneys for judicial, prosecutorial, and defense roles, with probation services outsourced to Supervision Services, Inc. This structure supports efficient handling of local ordinances, traffic violations, and minor criminal cases within city limits. Calhoun residents participate in Gordon County's elections, which serve as a proxy for local political preferences given the city's status as the . Gordon County has voted Republican in every since 2000, reflecting a moderately conservative electorate. In the 2024 , Republican candidate secured 81.49% of the vote countywide (22,481 votes), while Democrat received 18.04% (4,976 votes), with turnout reaching 71.06% of registered voters. Comparable Republican dominance prevailed in prior cycles, including 80.7% support for the Republican presidential nominee in the most recent pre-2024 election analyzed. Municipal elections in Calhoun occur in odd-numbered years and are nonpartisan, with voters electing a and four city council members by majority vote. Incumbent James "Jimmy" Palmer, a Republican-aligned figure in a with overwhelming GOP support, won re-election on November 7, 2023, defeating challenger(s) in the general following qualifying in August. City council results from that included wins for incumbents and candidates such as Eddie Reeves in Post 2, maintaining continuity in local leadership focused on and infrastructure. Political trends in Calhoun emphasize , intervention, and alignment with state-level Republican priorities such as tax reductions and , mirroring broader rural Georgia patterns where Democratic support remains marginal outside urban enclaves. Voter data and turnout indicate sustained GOP loyalty, with minimal shifts attributable to demographic stability in this manufacturing-dependent community. The 2025 municipal elections, scheduled for November 4 with underway as of October 2025, feature council races but no mayoral contest, underscoring the infrequency of executive turnover. Local races prioritize issues like public safety and utilities over national partisanship, though countywide results consistently reinforce conservative dominance.

Economy

Overview and Key Sectors

Calhoun serves as the economic center of Gordon County in northwest Georgia, where manufacturing dominates local output and employment. In 2023, Gordon County's gross domestic product totaled $3.142 billion, reflecting growth from $3.068 billion in 2022. The county's labor force supported approximately 26,800 jobs in 2023, with employment expanding by 1.64% from the prior year amid a low unemployment rate averaging around 3.3% through 2024. This stability stems from established industrial clusters, proximity to interstate highways facilitating logistics, and a workforce geared toward production roles. The primary sector is , employing over 6,700 workers or about 25% of the total, centered on , , and production. Major employers include Group, a leading producer of residential and commercial with significant operations in Calhoun, and , both leveraging the region's historical expertise in tufted . Secondary sectors encompass retail trade (2,549 jobs) and construction (2,416 jobs), alongside focused on dairy, cattle, and poultry processing. Recent expansions, such as Shaw's investments in yarn processing capacity, underscore ongoing commitments to the industry despite broader diversification initiatives into and advanced .

Carpet and Textile Industry

The carpet and textile industry forms a cornerstone of Calhoun's economy, rooted in early 20th-century cotton mills that produced sheeting, , chenille bedspreads, and eventually products. Local operations, such as the Echota , transitioned during the post-World War II era to tufted manufacturing, leveraging innovations from nearby Dalton where technology emerged in the 1940s and 1950s. This shift capitalized on abundant low-cost labor, proximity to raw materials like and , and the region's chenille production expertise, enabling rapid scaling of tufted textiles from bedspreads to scatter rugs and broadloom by the late 1940s, generating over $50 million in annual sales regionally. Calhoun hosts the headquarters of , established in 1878 in New York but relocated and expanded in Georgia amid competition from southern tufted operations; by 2002, Mohawk employed over 31,000 workers company-wide with $4.52 billion in sales, maintaining significant manufacturing presence in Calhoun. , a subsidiary founded in 1946, operates multiple facilities in Calhoun, including production plants at 355 South Industrial Boulevard, supporting roles like operators and creelers with ongoing hiring for dozens of positions as of 2025. Other firms, such as Nance Industries (founded 1972, specializing in rugs from remnants) and Flagship Carpets (focused on educational carpets), contribute to local output. The sector drives substantial employment in Gordon County, with carpet and flooring operations accounting for a plurality of manufacturing jobs amid the northwest Georgia cluster that produces approximately 85% of U.S. within a 65-mile radius of Dalton. Expansions like Mannington Mills' 2020 investment in a 10.5-acre Calhoun site, creating 268 jobs in related production, underscore ongoing growth despite national downturns tied to cycles. While vulnerable to recessions—evident in severe job losses during the 2008 housing crash—the industry has shown resilience, with Georgia's carpet mills employing about 16,473 workers statewide as of 2025 projections, bolstered by exports and innovation in resilient fibers. Diversification efforts, including and non-textile , complement but do not supplant carpet's dominance in Calhoun's industrial base.

Recent Economic Indicators

As of August 2025, the unemployment rate in Gordon County, which encompasses Calhoun, was 3.3 percent, down from 3.7 percent the prior month and below the year-ago figure of 3.6 percent, indicating a resilient local labor market amid broader Georgia trends. Employment levels in the county rose 1.64 percent from 2022 to 2023, reaching approximately 26,800 workers, driven by sectors including manufacturing and retail. Median household income in Gordon County increased to $61,997 in 2023 from $57,555 in 2022, reflecting wage gains in key industries like textiles and production, though the figure remains below the state of about $74,600. The poverty rate stood at 12.9 percent, with averaging $43,511. Recent investments underscore economic momentum, including the August 2025 opening of an 8,500-square-foot store at Indian Hills Shopping Center, enhancing retail options and consumer spending capacity. Housing initiatives, such as the development launched in March 2025, are fostering residential growth and community revitalization through new construction, potentially supporting population stability in the Calhoun micropolitan area, which saw a 0.95 percent increase to 58,336 residents between 2022 and 2023.

Demographics

Population Dynamics

The population of Calhoun, Georgia, has exhibited consistent growth since the early 2000s, driven primarily by economic expansion in and its strategic location along Interstate 75, which supports commuting to larger metropolitan areas like . According to U.S. Census Bureau data aggregated by demographic analysts, the city's population stood at 10,572 in the 2000 census, rising to 15,650 by —a 48.1% increase reflecting influxes tied to the local carpet and textile sector's boom during that decade. By the 2020 census, the figure reached 16,949, marking a more modest 8.3% decennial gain amid national economic fluctuations but sustained by steady job availability. Post-2020, growth accelerated, with estimates indicating 17,958 residents in 2022 and 18,900 in 2023, a 5.25% year-over-year rise attributable in part to net domestic migration patterns favoring affordable Southern suburbs during and after the . Projections for 2025 place the at approximately 20,128, implying an annualized growth rate of 3.15% from 2020 levels, outpacing the national average and aligning with broader Georgia trends of in-migration from high-cost states. This expansion has been influenced by factors such as low housing costs relative to (median home values around $250,000 in recent years) and employment in Gordon County's dominant industries, including , which drew workers seeking blue-collar opportunities.
YearPopulationDecennial % Change
200010,572-
201015,650+48.1%
202016,949+8.3%
Demographic shifts within this growth include increasing representation, from about 20% in 2010 to over 27% by 2023, linked to labor demands in textiles and , though native-born residents remain the plurality. Natural increase (births exceeding deaths) contributes modestly, but net migration—domestic and international—accounts for the majority of gains, as evidenced by U.S. estimates incorporating vital statistics and relocation data. Local building permits and expansions, such as recent commercial developments, further signal sustained inbound movement rather than out-migration pressures.

2020 Census Data

As of the , the city of Calhoun had a total of 16,949. The racial composition of the was:
RaceNumberPercentage
10,99764.9%
or African American1,2047.1%
American Indian and Native1230.7%
Asian4552.7%
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander90.1%
Some Other Race2,47814.6%
Two or More Races1,6839.9%
Of the total population, 4,397 individuals (25.9%) identified as Hispanic or Latino of any race. The census counted 6,896 total housing units in Calhoun, of which 6,497 (94.2%) were occupied and 399 (5.8%) were vacant. The population living in group quarters totaled 273, including 258 in institutionalized facilities such as nursing homes and 15 in noninstitutionalized settings.

Socioeconomic Characteristics

The median household income in Calhoun was $51,439 (in 2023 dollars) for the period 2019-2023, below the Georgia state median of approximately $71,355. stood at $29,119 for 2018-2022, reflecting a socioeconomic profile shaped by and service sector employment. The rate was 18.7% of persons in 2018-2022, higher than the national average of 12.4% and Georgia's 13.6%, with children under 18 facing elevated rates around 25-30% in similar regional data. Educational attainment among residents aged 25 and older lags state and national benchmarks, with 79.5% holding a or equivalent and 18.3% possessing a or higher (2018-2022). This correlates with concentrated in production occupations (e.g., textiles and assembly), where advanced degrees are less prevalent. Unemployment in the Calhoun micropolitan area averaged 3.0-3.5% in 2023, indicative of stable labor force participation amid cyclical demands. Homeownership rates hover around 60-65%, supporting moderate wealth accumulation in a community with significant blue-collar roots.

Education

Primary and Secondary Education

Calhoun's primary and secondary education is primarily administered by two public school districts: Calhoun City Schools, which serves the core city population, and Gordon County Schools, which covers unincorporated areas and some portions within city limits. Calhoun City Schools operates five schools for approximately 4,200 students in pre-kindergarten through grade 12, with a student-teacher ratio of 21:1; the district's student body is 50% minority, including 40% Hispanic, 8% Black, and 43% White, and 44% economically disadvantaged. Calhoun City Schools includes Calhoun Early Learning Academy for , Calhoun (grades K-2), Calhoun Elementary School (grades 3-5), Calhoun (grades 6-8), and Calhoun High School (grades 9-12). District-wide, 44% of students achieve proficiency in math and reading on state assessments, aligning with state averages but reflecting challenges in economically disadvantaged subgroups. Calhoun High School reports a 97.7% four-year graduation rate for the class of 2025, exceeding Georgia's 85% state average, with average ACT composite scores outperforming national benchmarks (e.g., 21.1 in science and 22 in reading). The school ranks 148th among Georgia high schools and in the top 50% statewide for overall testing, with 39% proficiency in math, 45% in reading, and strong AP participation yielding a 55% exam pass rate. Gordon County Schools, serving 6,292 students across pre-kindergarten through grade 12 with a student-teacher ratio supporting above-average district performance, maintains facilities in Calhoun such as Gordon Central High School, which enrolls students from southern county areas including city fringes. In this district, 38% of elementary students are proficient in reading and 44% in math, with middle and high school metrics showing steady gains in core subjects amid a rural-suburban context. Both districts emphasize career-technical and , with Calhoun City Schools reporting 146 high school students in dual enrollment programs as of recent years, contributing to postsecondary readiness. Private options in Calhoun are limited, with Georgia-Cumberland Academy, a Seventh-day Adventist K-12 , providing an alternative for approximately 200 students focused on faith-based . Overall, local outcomes correlate with socioeconomic factors, as evidenced by proficiency gaps, though and improvements signal targeted interventions yielding measurable progress.

Higher Education Institutions

The Gordon County Campus of Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC), situated at 1151 Highway 53 Spur SW, Calhoun, GA 30701, functions as the principal provider of postsecondary education within the city. This public technical college campus delivers associate of applied science degrees, diplomas, and technical certificates tailored to workforce demands in . Opened in 1997 as the first branch extension of the former Coosa Valley Technical Institute (now integrated into GNTC), the campus expanded access to vocational training amid regional industrial growth, particularly in manufacturing and textiles. GNTC as a system traces its origins to , evolving through mergers to encompass seven campuses serving over 20,000 students annually across associate, diploma, and programs. Core offerings at the Gordon County Campus emphasize practical skills in aviation and industrial technologies (e.g., , precision ), business and cyber-related technologies (e.g., , cybersecurity), and and health technologies (e.g., , ), aligning with local employers in Gordon County's economy. The campus facilitates for area high school students, enabling simultaneous earning of college credits toward technical credentials. Enrollment across GNTC surged 10% in fall 2024, driven by dual enrollment growth and program expansions, though campus-specific figures reflect steady demand for career-focused education. No four-year universities operate directly within Calhoun city limits; residents typically access baccalaureate programs at nearby institutions such as Dalton State College or , approximately 20-30 miles distant. GNTC's Gordon Campus remains integral to local , partnering with businesses for apprenticeships and customized training to address skill gaps in technical sectors.

Culture and Community

Historic Sites and Museums

![Oakleigh.jpg][float-right] The New Echota State Historic Site, located approximately 3.68 miles northwest of Calhoun, preserves the capital of the from 1825 to 1838. This 12-acre site features 12 original and reconstructed buildings, including the Council House, House, Print Shop where the newspaper was produced starting in 1828, and the home of missionary . It commemorates key events such as the Cherokee's constitutional government, a U.S. case affirming tribal , and the origination point of the forced removal in 1838. Visitors can tour the on-site museum and walking trails for exhibits on and culture. Oakleigh, an Antebellum mansion built in 1850 at 335 South in Calhoun, serves as the headquarters for the Gordon County Historical Society. This restored historic home houses a comprehensive of county records and artifacts, offering tours that highlight its and rumored use as a Civil War general's headquarters. The property accommodates events for up to 75 people and provides access to genealogical resources maintained by the society. The Museum, situated at the Harris Arts Center on 212 South , honors tenor Roland Hayes (1887–1977), born in nearby Curryville and recognized as a pioneering African American classical vocalist. The free-admission exhibit, open weekdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., displays memorabilia, recordings, and documentation of Hayes's career, including his international performances and advocacy against discrimination. It integrates with the center's galleries and theater, promoting local arts alongside historical preservation. The GEM Theatre, established in downtown Calhoun in 1927 and expanded in 1939, stands as a restored historic venue for live entertainment and films. Closed in the late 1970s, it underwent restoration and reopened in 2011, preserving its original charm while hosting community events. As Calhoun's primary theater until the mid-20th century, it reflects the town's early 20th-century cultural life.

Local Traditions and Events

The Georgia String Band Festival, an annual event held at the Harris Arts Center, celebrates traditional Appalachian and heritage through competitions, concerts, and workshops honoring pioneer recording artists from Calhoun's early 20th-century history. The 17th edition occurred on March 28–29, 2025, featuring performances and fiddlers' conventions that draw participants and spectators to preserve regional practices. The BBQ Boogie & Blues Festival, conducted annually in late April in downtown Calhoun, centers on a Kansas City Barbeque Society-sanctioned competition with categories for , , , and , alongside live and music stages, craft vendors, and children's activities like a "Kid's Que" contest. The 2025 event spanned April 25–26, attracting over 5,000 attendees for its blend of culinary rivalry and family-oriented entertainment reflective of Southern culture. Rocktober Fest, an October street festival in downtown Calhoun, emphasizes fall community gatherings with local food trucks, artisan vendors, live rock and , and tastings from regional breweries. Held on October 11, 2025, from noon to 8 p.m., it transforms Wall and Court Streets into a for shopping and performances, continuing a pattern of seasonal block parties that promote local commerce and social interaction. Calhoun's Parade of Lights, occurring annually on the second Thursday in at 7 p.m., features illuminated floats, marching bands, holiday characters, and festive music along downtown routes, drawing families to celebrate seasonal traditions with an estimated 3,000–4,000 viewers. Complementing this are community-wide initiatives like the Snowman Spectacular, where businesses, schools, and residents construct themed snowmen for public display, and a related coloring contest for children in grades K–5. Summer programming includes the free Summer Concert Series in BB&T City Park, featuring local and regional bands on select Friday evenings from June through August, and the Summer in the City block parties on with live music, food trucks, and vendor markets designed for family attendance. A Parade, organized by Calhoun City Schools on November 11 at 1:30 p.m., honors military service members with a through , inviting all local veterans to participate. These events underscore Calhoun's emphasis on music, food, and holiday observances as core community bonding mechanisms, often tied to the city's designation and historical downtown core.

Media

The primary print medium serving Calhoun and Gordon is The Calhoun Times, a bi-weekly newspaper established on August 12, 1870, by Christian as a Democratic-leaning weekly publication issued every . J. Roy McGinty edited and published the paper for a 50-year period, contributing to its longevity as one of the region's oldest continuously operating businesses. In 2015, Times-Journal Inc. acquired the , which now focuses on local , sports, and community events in Gordon under the ownership of . Historically, The Calhoun Times merged with the Gordon County News by at least 1976, forming The Calhoun Times and Gordon County News under publisher Northwest Georgia Media, Inc., to consolidate coverage of county affairs. Archival records indicate earlier print outlets in Calhoun dating to 1855, including precursors like the Gordon County News and brief publications such as the Bartow Press, though these were short-lived or absorbed into larger titles amid limited circulation in the rural area. No other active weekly or daily print newspapers operate exclusively in Calhoun as of 2025, with distribution centered on the Calhoun Times' bi-weekly editions printed for local subscribers and advertisers.

Broadcast and Digital Outlets

Calhoun's broadcast media primarily consists of AM and FM radio stations serving Gordon County with local programming, including country music, news, and high school sports coverage. WJTH operates on 900 AM and 101.7 FM, broadcasting from studios at 427 South Wall Street and offering a mix of country hits, local announcements, and live coverage of Calhoun High School Yellow Jackets games as well as University of Georgia Bulldogs football. WEBS airs on 1030 AM and 103.5 FM (branded as Kickin' Country or The Fox), delivering a country format with community-focused content from its Calhoun location at the same address. Additionally, WJRP-LP broadcasts on 107.7 FM as Power 107.7, providing Christian programming and community radio targeted at Calhoun residents. Local television broadcasting is limited, with no full-power over-the-air station based in Calhoun; residents primarily receive signals from Atlanta-area affiliates via antenna or cable. However, WEBS maintains a presence on Comcast Cable Channel 3, streaming its radio audio alongside local video content for Gordon County viewers. Digital outlets complement broadcast services through online streaming and independent news platforms. WJTH, WEBS, and Power 107.7 all provide live audio streams on their websites, enabling access to programming beyond traditional radio reception. The Gordon Gazette operates as a dedicated online news source for Calhoun and Gordon County, publishing articles on local government, crime, sports, and obituaries with daily jail booking updates. Hometown Headlines, affiliated with Northwest Georgia News, delivers aggregated local stories, event coverage, and community updates via its website, serving as a key digital hub for Calhoun-area headlines.

Notable Residents

  • Bert Lance (1931–2013), a prominent banker who led the Calhoun First National Bank and later served as Director of the Office of Management and Budget under President Jimmy Carter from January to September 1977, before resigning amid financial investigations; his Calhoun residency facilitated early political ties to Carter in the 1960s.
  • Roland Hayes (1887–1977), a pioneering African American classical tenor born in nearby Curryville, Gordon County, who rose to international fame in the 1920s as one of the highest-paid concert performers globally, performing works by composers like Schubert and Mahler despite racial barriers.
  • Elias Boudinot (1802–1839), born Buck Watie near present-day Calhoun in Cherokee territory, served as editor of the Cherokee Phoenix newspaper from 1828 to 1834 and advocated for Cherokee acculturation and literacy; he was assassinated in 1839 for supporting the Treaty of New Echota.
  • Stand Watie (1806–1871), a Cherokee leader and planter who resided in the Calhoun area, commanded Confederate Cherokee forces as a brigadier general during the Civil War—the last Confederate general to surrender in 1865—and signed the Treaty of New Echota in 1835.
  • John Ridge (1803–1839), a Cherokee statesman from the Calhoun vicinity who, as a signer of the Treaty of New Echota, facilitated Cherokee removal to Oklahoma; he was killed alongside Boudinot in retaliation.

Infrastructure

Transportation Networks

Calhoun's primary highway access is provided by Interstate 75, a four-lane divided highway that runs north-south through the city, facilitating connections to Atlanta roughly 60 miles to the south and Chattanooga, Tennessee, about 45 miles to the north. The Georgia Department of Transportation maintains multiple interchanges serving Calhoun, including Exit 317 at State Route 225 (also known as Mill Race Road), which provides direct access to downtown areas, and Exit 318 at U.S. Route 41, linking to local businesses and residential zones. Additional exits, such as Exit 315 at Georgia 156 (Redbud Road), support peripheral access for industrial and commercial traffic. U.S. Route 41 parallels Interstate 75 through Calhoun, serving as a historic corridor for local and through traffic, while State Route 53 offers east-west connectivity to nearby communities like Fairmount and . State Route 411 intersects north of the city, enhancing regional freight movement. These routes are integral to Calhoun's , with the Gordon County Joint Comprehensive Plan noting their role in attracting industrial development through reliable highway access. Freight rail services operate via lines tracing back to the 19th-century Western & Atlantic Railroad, supporting cargo transport without current passenger operations. The Calhoun Depot, constructed in 1852-1853 by the State of Georgia, historically handled both passengers and freight until service declined post-1970s, though tracks remain active for modern logistics. Public transit in Calhoun and Gordon County is limited to the Mountain Area Transportation System (MATS), a demand-response bus service funded by the county government. Operating Monday through Friday from 7:15 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., it accommodates medical, shopping, and general trips with advance reservations required; fares are $2 for distances under 10 miles and $3 for longer routes, payable in cash or check. relies on Tom B. Field (FAA identifier: CZL), a airport located of the city at 1957 U.S. 41 , offering fuel, maintenance, and services but no scheduled commercial flights. The closest major airports are (CHA), approximately 47 miles northwest, and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), about 66 miles southeast.

Utilities and Public Services

The City of Calhoun operates Calhoun Utilities, a municipal provider delivering electricity, water, and sewer services to residents, businesses, and industries within the and portions of Gordon County. Customers can access online bill payments, report outages or leaks via the hotline at 706-602-5678, and utilize assistance programs for billing inquiries or adjustments. The utility also maintains a service line inventory map compliant with EPA regulations, updated as of October 2024. Natural gas service in Calhoun is deregulated, with residents and businesses selecting from certified marketers such as Georgia Natural Gas, Energy, or Gas South, overseen by the Georgia Public Service Commission; fixed-rate plans typically range from $0.399 to $0.750 per . Residential trash collection is handled through a with Mauldin Trash Service, with inquiries directed to 706-629-4473 for pickup scheduling or brush disposal. Public safety services include the Calhoun Police Department, which enforces laws to prevent , accidents, and crimes while operating the Safe Streets Program to combat drug distribution; the department emphasizes community cooperation and officer training, with its station located at 10 McDaniel Station Road. The maintains three stations covering approximately 12 square miles, protecting over 15,000 residents and serving a broader population exceeding 50,000 across industrial, commercial, and rural areas; it responds to fires, hazardous materials incidents, , and provides inspections, , and public education programs, while housing a state-funded Georgia Search and Rescue team. A fourth station is in planning to expand coverage.

References

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