Georgia State Parks Guide

New Echota
Cherokee Capital

In 1825, the Cherokee national legislature established a capital called New Echota at the headwaters of the Oostanaula River. During its hort history, New Echota was the site of the first Indian language newspaper office, a court case which carried to the U.S. Supreme Court, one of the earliest experiments in national self government by an Indian tribe, the signing of a treaty which relinquished Cherokee claims to lands east of the Mississippi River, and the assembly of Indians for removal west on the infamous Trail of Tears. Today, visitors can see 12 original and reconstructed buildings, including the Council House, Court House, print shop, Missionary Samuel Worcester’s home, and an 1805 store, as well as outbuildings such as smoke houses, corn cribs and barns. In the visitor center, guests can purchase books, crafts and music, learn from exhibits and view a 17-minute film.

Nearby Attractions

; Chieftains Trail ; Chief Vann House State Historic Site ; Fort Mountain State Park – camping & cottages ; Funk Heritage Center at Reinhart College ; Booth Western Art Museum ; Etowah Indian Mounds State Historic Site ; Chieftains Museum/Major Ridge Home ; Tellus Northwest Georgia Science Museum

Hours: Thursday–Saturday 9 a.m.– 5 p.m.; Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Admission fee. Group rates available with advance notice. Bus parking available. ; Located in Calhoun one mile east of I-75 exit #317 on Ga. Hwy. 225.

New Echota State Historic Site 1211 Chatsworth Highway NE Calhoun, GA 30701 706-624-1321

Pickett’s Mill Battlefield

Pickett’s Mill is one of the best preserved Civil War battlefields in the nation. Visitors can travel roads used by Federal and Confederate troops, see earthworks constructed by these men,
and walk through the same ravine where hundreds died.

On May 27, 1864, the Federal Army, having been stopped in its advance on Atlanta two days earlier by the Battle of New Hope Church, attempted to outflank the Confederate position. Some 14,000 Federal troops were selected for the task, and General Howard was given command. After a five-hour march, Howard’s force reached the vicinity of Pickett’s Mill and prepared to attack. Waiting were 10,000 Confederate troops under the command of General Cleburne. The Federal assault began at 5 p.m. and continued into the night. Daybreak found the Confederates still in possession of the field. The Federals had lost 1,600 men compared to the Confederate loss of 500. The Confederate victory resulted in a one-week delay of the Federal advance on Atlanta.

Facilities

; 765 Acres ; Visitor Center – film, artifacts and exhibits ; Earthworks ; Hiking – 4 miles of trails ; Picnic Tables ; Bus Parking

Nearby Attractions

; Etowah Indian Mounds State Historic Site ; Red Top Mountain State Park and Lodge — camping & cottages ; Sweetwater Creek State Conservation Park ; Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield

Hours: Thursday–Saturday 9 a.m.– 5 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Admission fee. Group rates available with advance notice. ; Located 6 miles northeast of Dallas off Ga. Hwy. 381 on Mt. Tabor Church Road, accessed by Dallas-Acworth Road or Due West Road.

Fees, hours of operation and availability of facilities are subject to change. Visit www.GeorgiaStateParks.org or call the sites directly for the latest information.