WELCOME TO BEAUTIFUL BARTOW COUNTY
The most northwestern of the Metro Atlanta counties, Bartow lies in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and along the northern shore of Lake Allatoona. Bartow is steadily growing as new industries take advantage of its strong work force and available land.

The first settlers of this area were travelers along the old Alabama Road, people who decided to end their journey and call this beautiful land home. Enchanted by the beauty of the scenery and encouraged by the rich fertility of the soil, they bought acreage from the Indians, the original residents of the lands along the Etowah River and the plains and hills northward.

The county began as Cass, named for General Lewis Cass, `Secretary of War under President Jackson. During the Civil War, because of Cass' sympathies to the union, the name was changed to Bartow, in honor of Francis S. Bartow, a Confederate War Hero.

Cartersville: Population 15,925 - Cartersville started as a small hamlet in the shadow of the larger, more prosperous, Cassville, the original county seat. Today, Cartersville is a vital, thriving community, the center of activity and government in Bartow County. Located at a railroad underpass, it was first called Birmingham by the two Englishmen who settled there in the 1830's. The name changed when a Col. Farish Carter suggested that it be named after him. He is thought to have suggested it in jest, but the idea became reality. The town was almost demolished by fire during the Civil War battles in 1864, but was rebuilt and continued to grow.

Kingston: Population 659 - The quaint, quiet town of Kingston is seeing new growth as newcomers discover the charm and friendliness of this old city. It started out as a stagecoach stop, then as a stop for railroads. It also became a cotton marketplace as well as a summer resort. Incorporated in 1869, the town was named for Judge John Pendleton King of Augusta, a noted lawyer, U.S. Senator, railroad financier, and a friend of LaFayette. One of the most historic sites in northwest Georgia, Kingston played a major role in the Civil War.

Adairsville: Population 2,542 - A peaceful town in northern Bartow County, Adairsville, has the distinction of being the only town in Georgia listed entirely on the National Register of Historic Places. Spared total destruction by Sherman's troops, there are over 160 properties in town's historic district. The town name comes from the Adairs, who were descendants of Scotch adventurers who settled among the Cherokee Indians. Adairsville is named for the Scotch Cherokee chiefs who had been friendly to the white settlers. It was incorporated in 1854.