Dalton (Georgia)

The depot built in 1911 as the Southern Railways Freight Depot was restored in 2009 and know houses the Dalton Area Visitor's Center. Along with maps and brochures of the Dalton area you can explore the exhibits within the depot that explain the civil war in Dalton as well as trains and the local carpet industry.

You can see the original stone breastworks from the Civil War Battle fought there in 1864. It also provides a spectacular view of Dalton and the great valley.

The Whitfield-Murray Historical Society operates several historic homes and sites - including the oldest home in Dalton - The Hamilton House, that was used as headquarters for the Kentucky Orphan Brigade during the Civil War. The Blunt House, and the Crown Gardens History Center and Archives.

Visit the original 1855 grist mill. Civil War soldiers from both sides used it as a camp site and today it hosts the annual Prater's Mill Country Fair each October.

The first major railroad tunnel in the South is in Tunnel Hill, Georgia, a fifteen minute drive to the north of Dalton. Completed in 1850 and built completely by hand the 1/4 mile long tunnel is open to visitor's who receive guided tours and walk its entire length. The tunnel completed the first railroad connection from the Atlantic Ocean to the Tennessee River. You can also explore the Tunnel Hill Heritage Center Museum and Visitor's Center, which houses artifacts from the construction and renovation of the tunnel along with exhibits on the Civil War, Cherokee Indians and the local carpet industry.

West Hill Cemetery eight blocks to the west of downtown is one of Georgia's oldest cemeteries and houses a confederate cemetery. Pick up a walking tour guide from the Dalton Freight Depot and discover the many celebrities and founders of Dalton.