Historical Sites in Cave Spring
Located in northwest Georgia in Floyd County's southwestern corner, Cave Spring lies at the western end of beautiful Vann's Valley. The city is a mere five miles from our neighboring state of Alabama on US Hwy 411, which was originally an important Indian trail from ages past. Nestled between the sheltering hills creating our wide valley of rich farmlands, mineral deposits, abundant clear spring waters, creeks, and a major river traversing the area, those who early found their way here were quickly enamored at the sight of the intrinsic beauty of this special land.
Cave Spring is once again discovering its roots, from the Creek and Cherokee inhabitants who established local commerce, to its earliest European settlers who moved inland as their families outgrew the coastal areas and resources. The diverse peoples that were a part of area history have quietly preserved the atmosphere of smalltown living that we relish from childhood. The town still has much of that unhurried pace, an essence of southern hospitality established by earlier generations, and the beauty of its natural surroundings with the cave and spring of its name in Rolater Park, just one block south of the only traffic signal.
Cave Spring is once again discovering its roots, from the Creek and Cherokee inhabitants who established local commerce, to its earliest European settlers who moved inland as their families outgrew the coastal areas and resources. The diverse peoples that were a part of area history have quietly preserved the atmosphere of smalltown living that we relish from childhood. The town still has much of that unhurried pace, an essence of southern hospitality established by earlier generations, and the beauty of its natural surroundings with the cave and spring of its name in Rolater Park, just one block south of the only traffic signal.
Upper square at end of Veterans walk facing the south square in downtown. Building in background shows the 2 story cabin revealed on north side of the old Webster-Green hotel. Trail of Tears beginning of trail sign on lower square.
VETERANS WALK & CITIZENS MEMORIAL
DOWNTOWN UPPER SQUARE
The upper (north) downtown square honors, with memorial bricks, Cave Spring area servicemen of all wars in all eras, and others who have connections to Cave Spring residents. The winding walk is completed with memorial benches, marble memorial, and the flying flags of the 5 Service Branches. Citizen memorial bricks are in the area near the Gazebo, donated by loved ones for citizen contributions or to commemorate special life events.
LOWER SQUARE AND HISTORY REVEALED
The southern lower square is across from the ancient Webster-Green Hotel. In 2010 The original portion of the structure was discovered to be built around an old two-story log cabin, probably constructed and used as a Stand/Inn (trading post) by the Cherokee, Avery Vann, brother of Chief James Vann, of Spring Place, and Chief Vann House. The Vann family members together built several of these commercial enterprises in North Georgia, as well as roads, and ferries. The remaining structure is built very like the old Vann Tavern in Forsyth County as it looked before
deconstruction and reassembly at New Echota.
Avery Vann settled here just before the 18th century and is the namesake our beautiful valley. A sign on the lower square indicates the beginning of the Trail of Tears removal route of Cave Spring Cherokee to Fort Cedartown in 1838. That route in front of the cabin was originally a Cherokee toll road and has been marked by GA Trail of Tears Chapter to Cedartown's Big Spring where the removal fort was located. The Cherokee referred to our area as Beaver Pond, and along Big Cedar Creek to Cedartown as Beaver Dam. The removal route also continues north from Cave Spring, up US Hwy 411 in route to Ross' landing where the Cherokee too sick to walk were taken by wagon and thus to be transferred west. A tragic and sad era that has long been ignored makes for a moving study, and helps explain the evolution of current events experienced now in American life. The Omnibus Land Bill of 2009 first allowed this history to be recognized and acknowledged in Georgia.
VETERANS WALK & CITIZENS MEMORIAL
DOWNTOWN UPPER SQUARE
The upper (north) downtown square honors, with memorial bricks, Cave Spring area servicemen of all wars in all eras, and others who have connections to Cave Spring residents. The winding walk is completed with memorial benches, marble memorial, and the flying flags of the 5 Service Branches. Citizen memorial bricks are in the area near the Gazebo, donated by loved ones for citizen contributions or to commemorate special life events.
LOWER SQUARE AND HISTORY REVEALED
The southern lower square is across from the ancient Webster-Green Hotel. In 2010 The original portion of the structure was discovered to be built around an old two-story log cabin, probably constructed and used as a Stand/Inn (trading post) by the Cherokee, Avery Vann, brother of Chief James Vann, of Spring Place, and Chief Vann House. The Vann family members together built several of these commercial enterprises in North Georgia, as well as roads, and ferries. The remaining structure is built very like the old Vann Tavern in Forsyth County as it looked before
deconstruction and reassembly at New Echota.
Avery Vann settled here just before the 18th century and is the namesake our beautiful valley. A sign on the lower square indicates the beginning of the Trail of Tears removal route of Cave Spring Cherokee to Fort Cedartown in 1838. That route in front of the cabin was originally a Cherokee toll road and has been marked by GA Trail of Tears Chapter to Cedartown's Big Spring where the removal fort was located. The Cherokee referred to our area as Beaver Pond, and along Big Cedar Creek to Cedartown as Beaver Dam. The removal route also continues north from Cave Spring, up US Hwy 411 in route to Ross' landing where the Cherokee too sick to walk were taken by wagon and thus to be transferred west. A tragic and sad era that has long been ignored makes for a moving study, and helps explain the evolution of current events experienced now in American life. The Omnibus Land Bill of 2009 first allowed this history to be recognized and acknowledged in Georgia.
Rear view of two story cabin under
Webster-Green Hotel
Webster-Green Hotel
Cave In Rolater Park
Spring's original claim to fame is its namesake mineral spring, flowing from the cave in Rolater Park, The 29 acre site was given to the citizens of Cave Spring by Dr. Joseph B. Rolater in the early 1930's after his purchase of the property on the closing of the school thus securing this major water resource and historic area.
A major site in this "Land of Enchantment," thousands yearly enjoy family reunions, picnics, and just exploring the cave, observing the beauty of the area, and its historic buildings, the pool, Little Cedar Creek, and the fish, ducks, and wild birds that frequent or inhabit the park. Little Cedar Creek flows through the park and town.
A major site in this "Land of Enchantment," thousands yearly enjoy family reunions, picnics, and just exploring the cave, observing the beauty of the area, and its historic buildings, the pool, Little Cedar Creek, and the fish, ducks, and wild birds that frequent or inhabit the park. Little Cedar Creek flows through the park and town.
The park has covered pavilions and picnic tables for rent under beautiful trees, near the flowing waters, perfect for family reunions, with a playground available for the amusement of the children, and of course, wading. Feeding the fish (bream, trout, etc.) and ducks in the large spring fed pond is also a perennial favorite, food being available at the cave for a very nominal fee. The fish and ducks eagerly await these snacks, especially in the cooler months when less food is available.
Many citizens have donated beautiful memorial benches for the grounds and comfort of visitors, and the Park Board continuously update the facilities for the enjoyment of all. Swings have been placed strategically by the park board.
Each year for the past 36 years, except for one, the Cave Spring Historical Society has held a juried art show, "Cave Spring Art Festival," on the second full weekend in June, the proceeds of which are used for the upkeep of the restored historical buildings in the park and around Cave Spring.
The much enjoyed and well attended annual 5K Road Race is also held on Festival Saturday morning at the Georgia School for the Deaf campus area on Perry Farm Road, benefiting the Georgia School for the Deaf, Alton Holman Heritage Arts School, and Cave Spring Historical Society. --Written by Vicki Abernathy
Many citizens have donated beautiful memorial benches for the grounds and comfort of visitors, and the Park Board continuously update the facilities for the enjoyment of all. Swings have been placed strategically by the park board.
Each year for the past 36 years, except for one, the Cave Spring Historical Society has held a juried art show, "Cave Spring Art Festival," on the second full weekend in June, the proceeds of which are used for the upkeep of the restored historical buildings in the park and around Cave Spring.
The much enjoyed and well attended annual 5K Road Race is also held on Festival Saturday morning at the Georgia School for the Deaf campus area on Perry Farm Road, benefiting the Georgia School for the Deaf, Alton Holman Heritage Arts School, and Cave Spring Historical Society. --Written by Vicki Abernathy
