Synopses & Reviews
When Fannin County was created on January 21, 1854, less than 20 years had passed since the Cherokee removal and the Texas Revolution. The forced removal of the native Cherokee opened north Georgia to increased settlement by people of European background. War hero James Walker Fannin was born, if legend is correct, near where Tennessee and North Carolina border Georgia. After dropping out of West Point, Fannin was a successful broker in Columbus, Georgia, and then immigrated to Texas. Following several military adventures, including a failed attempt to relieve the Alamo, Colonel Fannin was defeated at the Battle of Coleto Creek, and his command was massacred near Goliad. Shortly after the Mexican-American War joined Texas to the Union, Georgia honored Fannin's memory by naming Fannin County for him. From an isolated region of mountain farms, gristmills, and wilderness, Fannin County has developed alongside the arrival of the railroad and the inauguration of logging, hydroelectric power, mining, and manufacturing and is currently one of the premier tourist destinations and arts-and-crafts regions in the Southeast.
Synopsis
When Fannin County was created in January of 1854, less than 20 years had passed since the Texas Revolution, but its impact was immense.
War hero James Walker Fannin was born, if legend is correct, near where Tennessee and North Carolina border Georgia; after dropping out of West Point, Fannin was a successful broker in Columbus, Georgia, and then immigrated to Texas. Following several military adventures, including a failed attempt to relieve the Alamo, Colonel Fannin was defeated at the Battle of Coleto Creek, and his command massacred near Goliad. Shortly after the Mexican-American War won the Texas territory for the Union, Georgia honored Fannin's memory by naming Fannin County for him. From an isolated region of mountain farms, gristmills, and wilderness, Fannin County has developed alongside the arrival of the railroad and the inauguration of logging, hydroelectric power, mining, and manufacturing and is currently one of the premier tourist destinations and arts-and-crafts regions in the Southeast.
About the Author
Author Keith Jones is president of the Fannin County Historical Foundation. The photographs in Images of America: Fannin County illustrate many facets of the county's story.