A beautiful and vibrant Southern city, Alpharetta is nestled in the North Metro Atlanta area and offers access to hundreds of things to do as well as a rich historical heritage. Alpharetta is brimming with culture and opportunity, boasting a unique blend of events, abundant green space, excellent schools, and a variety of commerce.
Living in Alpharetta gives residents the added advantage of living in a richly diverse city with award-winning parks and a range of family-friendly events, great neighborhoods, unique shopping destinations, and excellent restaurants. Plus, it’s conveniently located near Atlanta. It's no wonder Forbes Magazine previously ranked Alpharetta #1 on the list of America's 25 Best Places to Move.
Along with its warm hospitality and friendly, inviting vibe, Alpharetta has a fascinating history. Here are some of the most intriguing facts about the town's legacy.
8. Where did the name Alpharetta come from?
Alpharetta was reportedly named after the 19th-century song "The Blue Juniata." The name "Alpharette" is believed to be a variant of Alfarata, a fictional Native girl referenced in the song. However, some have also argued that the name refers to the first letter of the Greek alphabet. In this case, the name could mean "First Town," as it might be derived from two Greek words with "Alpha" meaning first and "Retta" meaning town.
But despite the Greek meaning of "first town," Alpharetta was not actually the first town on the map, nor the biggest. Alpharetta remained a tiny town before flourishing into the thriving and vibrant hub of business and technology it is today.
7. Alpharetta wasn’t always part of Fulton County
The town of Alpharetta was officially incorporated on December 11, 1858. It was created to become the county seat of Milton County. Before incorporation, the territory that would become Milton County was part of the Cherokee Nation. In 1831, the territory comprised the southern part of Cherokee County, one of the largest counties in Georgia.
Having such a large county was a problem for residents who had to travel regularly to Canton, the county's seat, to conduct business. A round trip could take days to accomplish, leaving families separated and supplies in demand. To lessen the strain on these residents, several parts of Cherokee, Gwinnett, Forsyth, Cobb, and DeKalb Counties were combined to create Milton County.
After almost 75 years as part of Milton County, Alpharetta became part of Fulton County in the early 1930s with the advent of the Georgia 400, a major highway that resulted in significant economic and commercial growth. Many North Fulton County roads are named for Alpharetta's pioneering families. The merger in 1932 brought relief in the form of paved roads, better educational institutions, and lower taxes.
6. The town used to have a strong cotton-based economy
For decades, the primary Alpharetta economy was cotton-based. Alpharetta was a rural town that thrived on cotton production. Farmers would grow their crops and then take their wares downtown, where businesses then seeded, fertilized, processed, and shipped the product. Many families opened shops and businesses built around cotton production. Cotton was considered "king" in the outlying areas and countryside.
At the height of the industry, four cotton gins were operating in Alpharetta: one in Webb, one in Ocee, and two in Crabapple. The area experienced hardships between World War I and World War II when boll weevils invaded and the Great Depression took a tremendous toll on the region's cotton economy. The eventual Milton and Fulton County merger brought relief to the residents in both areas.
5. Alpharetta began as New Prospect Campground
Before becoming the town of Alpharetta, much of the land was once a campground located near the intersection of North Main and Cumming Streets. This location was an optimal spot for travelers to camp overnight, thanks to the nearby springs and proximity to westward routes. When the Cherokee lands were opened in the 1830s, the site became known as New Prospect and many people settled in tents until they could develop the land into houses.
Eventually, a log building was constructed, which functioned as both a school and a church. It wasn't until Milton County was created in 1857 that use of the land as a campground was discontinued and it was developed into the town of Alpharetta. Today you can walk by the original New Prospect Campground site on one of Alpharetta's historical walking tours.
4. The Alpharetta Historical Society runs an excellent History Walk
Step back in time and explore more than 25 historical markers located within walking distance of each other to learn about Alpharetta's past. At the Alpharetta Convention & Visitors Bureau located at 178 S Main Street, you can pick up a complimentary Alpharetta & Old Milton County History Museum and Walk Brochure. Take a walk down memory lane as you navigate preserved historic buildings and maybe even learn about your own family's history!
There are a few different paths you can take, but the tour starts at the Alpharetta City Hall and ends at the Alpharetta Old Milton Historical Society, with stops at important markers like the town's first Baptist church, the First Methodist church, the New Prospect Campground, and the Alpharetta Business District.
3. Alpharetta is home to the only log cabin constructed by the Future Farmers of America still in use today.
One of the most notable sites managed by the Alpharetta Historical Society is the FFA Log Cabin, built by Future Farmers of America students at the old Milton High School location in the 1930s. Today, the cabin has been relocated to the Milton Avenue Park and is one of only two FFA log cabins still in use in America, and it is furnished with tools and furnishings from the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Those interested in learning about pioneer life are welcome to visit the Alpharetta & Old Milton County Historical Society, dedicated to “Preserving the Past, in the Present, for the Future,” with the collection, preservation, and dissemination of accurate historical information related to Alpharetta and Milton County.
2. The town used to host an Old Soldier's Day event
In 1865, veterans of the Civil War united to create a special memorial event known as the Old Soldier's Day Parade. This special event has taken place continuously on the first Saturday of August since 1952, although its origins date back more than 100 years. While the parade started to honor Civil War veterans, it expanded to honor other veterans, such as those of World War I.
The parade started to fall off in the 1920s as veterans passed away but was restarted in 1952 and held each year until 2019. The event consisted of various groups and entertainment, including children's activities, classic cars, prizes, candy, floats, bands, wagons, horses, and more. Old Soldier's Day was discontinued as of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and shortly after, the City of Alpharetta decided not to fund it any longer. However, veterans are working to revive the parade for the future.
1. The city of Alpharetta continues honoring the original town families
Alpharetta takes great pride in its history, and you can still visit many of the original family homes. Among the notable Alpharetta family names are Camp, Manning, Skelton, and Teasley. Arthur Camp and his sister Mary Camp Manning sold 60 acres to Milton County in 1858. Arthur once owned the land where Rest Haven Cemetery is now located, while Mary's descendants still live in Alpharetta. One branch has even lived in the Lewis-Manning House since the 20th century.
Oliver P. Skelton was the city's first official postmaster, appointed in 1858. He was also elected as Millton County's first Ordinary in 1868 and served for four years treating patients during the smallpox outbreak. His Greek Revival-style home, the Skelton-Teasley House, is located at one of the city's highest peaks.
Isham Teasley was a well-known entrepreneur who owned a cotton gin, sawmill, and grist mill in a community located near what would later become Alpharetta. He deeded his property to the First United Methodist of Alpharetta in 1871.
Ready to dive into the world of Alpharetta real estate and find your perfect home? Let Alpharetta real estate agent Trish Hauser be your guide to this fantastic, historical city.
