The city of Calhoun offers a safe, friendly, small town atmosphere, close to the large city.


Calhoun is conveniently located along U.S. Interstate 75, approximately 70 miles north of Atlanta, GA, and 50 miles south of Chattanooga, TN. According to the 2000 Census, Calhoun had a population of 10,667 persons. Between 1990 and 2000, the city experienced a population increase of 49.5%, compared to the state growth during this period of 26.4%.





Gordon County is one of Georgia's 159 counties and is rich in natural and historic resources. From its beginnings in 1850 to today, Gordon County offers its current and new residents many opportunities for work and play. This enviable location has attracted and continues to attract commercial and industrial enterprises such as major carpet and floor covering manufacturers, food processors, heavy machinery assembly companies, and distribution firms. Gordon County and its environs possess a vast array of quality-of-life resources including civil war historic sites, state parks, quality health care, excellent public and higher educational opportunities, a cultural arts center, a regional outlet mall, and the nearby fast pace urban life of Georgia's capital city of Atlanta.





History is a big part of this community. Calhoun was a part of the Cherokee Nation, including New Echota, capital of the Cherokee Nation, until December 29, 1835. When the Cherokees refused to give up their lands, the U.S. Army was sent by President Jackson to the northern region of Georgia to force them to move to Oklahoma, an event now known as the Trail of Tears. After the Cherokees left their lands, Georgia claimed the Cherokee lands that became Gordon County and other counties.





Calhoun was previously known as Dawsonville for the owner of a general store in the area. The Native Americans called their village, in the same location, Oothcaloga, Ustanali and New Echota. Calhoun, the county seat of Gordon County, was incorporated in January 1852. The city was then named for Senator John Calhoun, famous statesman and prominent figure in the states' rights movement.





Today this site is the New Echota Cherokee Capitol Historic Site, which has several original and reconstructed buildings including the Supreme Courthouse. There are two festivals in Calhoun each year. The Cherokee Fall Festival is held at the New Echota State Historic Site in late October and the Red Clay Hill Arts and Crafts Festival is held in early November.





Oakleigh is a restored stately antebellum home that served as General Sherman�s headquarters as he passed through the area on his �March to the Sea.� It is currently the home of the Gordon County Historical Society and houses several historic displays. The main display is a collection of more than 1,600 dolls.





Located near Calhoun is Carter�s Lake, a popular boating, swimming, fishing, and camping site. If you like golf, Calhoun and the nearby area have a nine-hole course and three championship 18-hole public courses.





Salacoa Creek Park is a 343-acre park that features a 126-acre lake with a beach. The park lies within the original boundaries of the Cherokee Nation and there are restored Cherokee Indian buildings and an interpretive museum there. The park also includes fishing, swimming, tent and RV camping, boating, and picnicking.





If you like to shop then the Calhoun Outlet Center at I-75's Exit 312 is where you need to go. You�ll find savings on quality name brands up to 75% off retail. There are more than 58 stores offering factory direct pricing seven days a week.





The median income for a family in Calhoun is an impressive $42,300. Males have a median income of $27,616 versus $25,018 for females.





The Calhoun City Schools System celebrates more than 100 years of excellence. Thru its storied 103 year history, Calhoun City Schools has been known for its strong and rich history of academic and athletic excellence. Throughout Calhoun City Schools� existence, stakeholder involvement has been a critical component of its success. Although challenges exist, Calhoun City Schools looks at these challenges as opportunities to reach its mission of inspiring all students to become life-long learners in the pursuit of excellence. Interwoven into the tapestry of the historical lineage of Calhoun City Schools, is a commitment to excellence and community spirit that rests on the very pulse of its existence. This rich tradition of the Calhoun City Schools would not be possible were it not for the involvement of stakeholders over the years.





One hundred and three years later, schools open their doors to more than 3094 students and project enrollment to be more than 5550 students by the year 2020. Twenty-nine percent of the student population are non-resident students which conveys the message that this is a school system of choice. Eleven percent of students participate in special education programs and the system is proud to share that the Special Education Department was recognized by the Georgia Department of Education as a leader in the state for their outstanding efforts to improve the performance of students with disabilities.





The community is a diverse one, with churches of all denominations being available for worship. The city and county governments work together at every opportunity, in order to provide a high level of service at the lowest cost possible for their fellow citizens. The community was very successful in raising over $300,000.00 to provide an Arts Council downtown, which provides a higher quality of life. It�s evident that Calhoun's greatest asset is its people.





.