Everywhere is Somewhere to See

The Flood Control Act of 1941 and the Flood Control Act 1944 authorized the construction Allatoona Dam, but World War II delayed the start of work. Construction began in 1946, and reservoir started to fill in during December 1949, eventually flooding the town of Allatoona. In January 1950, the dam and power station were operation in January 1950. Today, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers owns and operates the dam.

Coopers Furnace Day Use Park is open seasonally and is situated along the north bank of the Etowah River. The park has lots of single-car parking, and no trailers are allowed. This park also allows a great view of the dam from downstream. Cooper’s Iron Works is the last remaining remnant of the 19th century town of Etowah. Jacob Stroup established the works in the 1830s, and Mark Anthony Cooper purchased the ironworks in the 1840s. In 1862, Cooper sold the iron works. The Confederate States of America subsequently purchased the works, and federal soldiers, on May 22, 1864, destroyed the ironworks and mill, bringing about an end to the city’s livelihood. Following the Civil War, the town never again returned to its antebellum prominence. A smokestack is all that remains of the ironworks.

There are different theories about this unknown soldier buried near Allatoona Pass. Perhaps, he died during the Battle of Allatoona Pass and was buried where he fell. Or, he died elsewhere, and his body was shipped back to his hometown of Allatoona. Western & Atlantic Railroad workers apparently rediscovered his grave in 1880 and placed a headstone that reads, “He died for the cause he thought was right.” The railroad relocated the grave to its current location in about 1950.

The Booth Western Art Museum opened in August 2003 and showcases Western art. The Smithsonian Institution affiliate is said to be the largest permanent exhibition space for Western art nationwide. The 120,000-square-foot museum is the second-largest art museum in Georgia, featuring works by Frederic Remington, Albert Bierstadt, George Caitlin and Charles Russell. Visitors can explore America’s history through contemporary Western artwork, a Presidential Gallery and a Civil War art gallery.

Directions: Booth Western Art Museum, 501 N. Museum Drive, Cartersville, GA 30120. Take I-75 to exit 288 – Main Street, Cartersville. Head West. Follow Main Street (Highway 113/61) into the business district, approximately 2.2 miles. Turn right on Gilmer Street, travel two blocks under the bridge, and the museum is on the left. Free parking is available in the Tabernacle Baptist Church parking lot on Gilmer Street, across from the Museum entrance.

Hours (as of April 12, 2023): Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Thursday: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday: 1-5 p.m. Closed Mondays, New Year’s Day, July 4, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

Admission (as of April 12, 2023): Adult: $13.00; Senior (65+): $11.00; Student (with ID): $10.00; Children 12 and under are free (must be accompanied by parent or guardian); Active Military Personnel (with ID): Free (half price regular admission for all immediate family members of the active-duty person); Booth Museum members are free; First Thursday of each month: free admission for all between 4-8 p.m.

A Coca-Cola syrup salesman named James Couden painted a sign advertising the soda on the side of Young Brothers Pharmacy (known as Young Bros Drug Company at the time). It turns out he made history with his work of art as this was the first Coca-Cola painted wall sign in the world. The pharmacy celebrates the advertisement with a display of Coke memorabilia and collectibles. Interestingly, the Coca-Cola Co. regularly repainted the sign until the late 1970s, but underneath all those paint jobs was the original sign, which was restored in 1989.