Living in Acworth

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Acworth is "The Lake City", a small, quaint city in Cobb County, 33 miles to the northwest of downtown Atlanta. It is best characterized as a tranquil southern town that is family oriented. Acworth is located in the foothills of the North Georgia Mountains and is nestled between Lake Altoona and Lake Acworth. With so much water nearby, the town has become known as a treasure trove for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy swimming, fishing, boating, water skiing, camping and hiking.

History buffs will find Acworth a treasure. Until the 1830s, the Cherokee Nation of Native Americans inhabited the area. Nearby Etowah Indian Mounds are archeological sites depicting life of the early inhabitants. Today's town was originally a water stop on the newly constructed Western and Atlantic Railroad out of Atlanta. It was called Orcutt Station, but later renamed Acworth, after the New Hampshire hometown of the railroad engineer, Joseph Gregg. The small railroad station grew and was incorporated in 1860. The Southern Museum of Civil War & Locomotive History in nearby Kennesaw depicts the impact of the railroad on this part of Georgia life. Like most of Metro Atlanta, the Civil War affected life in Acworth during the middle of the nineteenth century. Northern General William Tecumseh Sherman occupied Acworth in 1864, and devastated the town by burning it to the ground. In 1950, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, to address the growing water needs in Atlanta, created Lake Altoona.

This became the spark of rebirth for Acworth. Lake Altoona brought recreationalist who "rediscovered" the city. The pristine water prompted numerous marinas and even a yacht club. Afterward, a 1,500 foot dam was formed just southwest of the city, separating the 260 acre, man made Lake Acworth from Lake Altoona. The city hauled in truckloads of white sand and established Acworth Beach, a public beach and recreation area. Recreation and the development of its historical attractions enhanced the small town pace of life in Acworth, which became an increasingly attractive alternative to the busy lifestyle in big-city Atlanta. Acworth's downtown has entered a revival as city leaders promoted its historic value. Main Street is now filled with eclectic shops and interesting dining.

The Collins Avenue Historic District, itself placed on the National register of Historic Places is replete with restored Victorian-era homes and Craftsman-style bungalows. It's easy to see why Acworth is an Atlanta gem and is nicknamed "The Lake City".