The Beginning of the City of Dalton

In the Ridge and Valley section of the state, Dalton spreads across the valley to rugged Rocky Face Ridge. 1847 is a pivotal year for the citizens of Cross Plains. In honor of founder Edward Dalton White the city changes the name to Dalton. That same year the Western and Atlantic Railroad is completed to the small town. Its location near the railroad would greatly affect the destiny of this north Georgia town.

The growth of Dalton is astonishing. Completion of the W&ARR to Chattanooga, Tennessee in 1850 creates the first rail system to the area west of the Appalachians. In 1851 Dalton is named the seat of government for newly created Whitfield County and a railroad depot is completed the following year. Built in the center of town the depot still stands, one of the few antebellum structures in Northwest Georgia.