Local guidesCherokee CountyCanton
Canton
Canton is a city and the county seat of Cherokee County, Georgia, about 40 miles north of downtown Atlanta, with a population of 32,973 at the 2020 census.
Where is Canton, and what is it like?
Canton is the county seat of Cherokee County, Georgia. It lies about 40 miles north of downtown Atlanta. Holly Springs is to the south, Ball Ground to the northeast and Waleska to the northwest. The 2020 census counted 32,973 people.
The city covers 19.03 square miles, of which 18.33 is land and 0.70 is water. Elevation is 968 feet (295 m). The Etowah River flows through the centre of the city, and Interstate 575 runs along its eastern side.
How did Canton begin?
The site was Cherokee land. Federal troops removed the Cherokee in 1838, and many were marched west on the Trail of Tears.
The site of the county courthouse was chosen in 1833, and the town was first named Etowah and then Cherokee Courthouse.
In 1834 it was renamed Canton, after the Chinese city of Guangzhou, in the hope of building a silk industry. Union forces burned the town in November 1864.
How did Canton become a mill town?
Canton grew into a mill community known for Canton Denim. Manufacturing was the base of the local economy, including the denim mills and a poultry operation, Cherokee Poultry, built on Univeter Road in 1955 and sold to Central Soya in 1962. The Canton Cotton Mills closed in 1981.
The population records show the slow pace of that period. The census counted 214 people in 1870, 847 in 1900 and 2,892 in 1930. It was 2,411 in 1960 and 3,601 in 1980.
How fast has Canton grown?
Growth came late and fast. The census counted 7,709 people in 2000, 22,958 in 2010 and 32,973 in 2020. The 2010 figure is nearly three times the 2000 figure.
In 2020 there were 11,918 households and 7,138 families in the city, with 12,758 housing units. The median age was 34.5.
What parks and landmarks are in Canton?
Heritage Park covers 48 acres and has a one-mile concrete walking trail. Etowah River Park, along the Etowah River, has an amphitheater. The Hickory Log Creek reservoir, also listed as Lake Canton, is a separate site. The city's Streetscapes program added brick pavers, lamp posts and landscaping downtown.
The Historic Canton Theatre stands on Main Street and hosts plays and events.
How do you get around Canton, and where are the schools?
State Routes 20 and 140 pass through the city, and Interstate 575 runs along its east side. Cherokee County Airport lies northeast of downtown.
Canton is served by the Cherokee County School District. Chattahoochee Technical College has a campus in Canton.
Find a local business in Canton
Canton is covered by the Cherokee County guide. Start with the businesses in Canton itself, or look across the whole guide by what they do.
Businesses in CantonQuestions about Canton
- Is Canton the county seat of Cherokee County?
- Yes. Canton is the county seat of Cherokee County, Georgia.
- What was Canton's population in 2020?
- The 2020 census counted 32,973 people, up from 22,958 in 2010.
- Why is the city called Canton?
- It was renamed Canton in 1834, after the Chinese city of Guangzhou, in the hope of building a silk industry.
- How far is Canton from Atlanta?
- Canton is about 40 miles north of downtown Atlanta.
- What river runs through Canton?
- The Etowah River flows through the centre of the city.
- Is there a local business directory for Canton?
- Yes. Canton is covered by the Cherokee County guide from Local Business America. It lists local businesses in Canton and the towns around it, and it is free to read.
- How do I list my business in Canton?
- Open the Cherokee County guide and choose Claim your listing. If your business is not there yet, choose List your business. Claiming is free, and a person checks each claim.
- What does a business listing in Canton cost?
- Every business has a free listing with opening hours, a map and a link to your website. Essentials is $19 a month and adds a photo gallery, an enquiry form and your Google reviews. Premium is $39 a month and adds a boost to the top of your category and a do-follow link to your website.