ASA Annual Conference

Mode of Program Participation

Academic Scholarship

Participation Type

Panel

Session Title

History and Place in Appalachian Georgia

Session Abstract or Summary

This session includes three History papers focusing on places in Appalachian (north) Georgia. They focus on the intersection of culture and place and the role each has played over time. Those places include a river, a spring/resort, and a community. Each is particularly Appalachian in both location as well as development over time. The Chattooga river starts as the site of Cherokee towns and goes to white water tourism, while becoming an unfortunate cultural icon. Porter Springs is developed as part of a major tourist/medical movement in the 19th century. Batesville, though unincorporated, represents a continuing Appalachian community. a respondent will offer commentary.

About the Presenter

K Karter Robinson, University of North Georgia
Adam Fowler, University of North Georgia
Kelsie Burks, University of North Georgia

Presentation #1 Title

Chattooga River

Presentation #1 Abstract or Summary

Kaitlin Robinson The University of North Georgia Abstract My presentation is about the history of the beautiful Chattooga River. The Chattooga is located on the border of north Georgia and South Carolina. The Chattooga is 57 miles long and is sometimes simply referred to as the headwaters of the Savannah River. It is designated wild and scenic so it is protected by national forest for a quarter mile on each side of the river. It was home to the Cherokee Settlement of Chattooga Town. Its more recent claim to fame is the river from the movie Deliverance. Three rafting outfitters take rafters down the beautiful river throughout the year and tell people the rich history and show them the natural beauty of the Chattooga. I want to inform people about how amazing and wonderful this little slice of heaven is so it can be enjoyed by many generations after us.

At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #1

Karter Robinson is a senior majoring in History Education at UNG in Dahlonega.

Presentation #2 Title

Porter Springs

Presentation #2 Abstract or Summary

Porter Springs, located in a remote part of Lumpkin County Georgia, was an intersection of Appalachia and the elite urban populace. It also was a destination for local residents; and both populations touted the spring’s mineral water for its medicinal properties and its location’s climate. A lavish resort was developed at Porter Springs that at its high point supported not only one hotel but two and a number of cottages. From 1874 until 1899 it provided luxury accommodations, top rate cuisine, and entertainment rarely seen outside of large urban areas at that time. During its zenith Porter Springs seasonally supplied; an orchestra, bowling ally, a ball room for dancing, hiking paths, hunting, horse back riding, and first class food in abundance. These accommodations gained notoriety not only at state but also at the national level. Despite its years of success and fame Porter Springs slowly declined and eventually fell into disuse. This was part of a negative trend for Appalachia mineral springs; but unlike most other springs, Porter Springs had become a resort that regularly struggled to supply accommodations sufficient for demand. Social trends in medical thought began to change rapidly during the early years of the twentieth century due to government regulation and advances in science and technology. These advances in medical science helped decide the fate of institutions like Porter Springs.

At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #2

Adam Fowler is a senior History major at UNG Dahlonega.

Presentation #3 Title

Batesville, Georgia

Presentation #3 Abstract or Summary

Batesville, Georgia Abstract

My research is focused on the Appalachian community of Batesville, Georgia. The purpose of my research is to prove that the concept of Appalachian kinship communities are unique to Appalachia and are essential to being classified as Appalachian; I accomplish this through the analysis of the history of the Batesville community. Three aspects that are represented in an Appalachian kinship community are: yeoman/self-sustaining mentality, tightly knit families, and comradery shared between neighbors. By possessing these qualities, Appalachian kinship communities are able to express happiness despite the struggles they encounter throughout their history which shows their resiliency. My research also proves that Appalachian kinship communities still exist. Like other Appalachian communities, Batesville experiences economic hardships throughout their history as well. Illegal whiskey production and distribution is one of the common coping mechanisms used by the people in the Batesville region in order to satisfy their essential needs. Batesville was also a community that was used to generate revenue for the local logging industry. Whiskey stills and logging industries are notorious characteristics of Appalachian communities, but the significance is seen through the people of those communities. The purpose of making illegal whiskey and working for logging industries, that were ultimately destroying their homeland, was to survive. Batesville is a prime example of this but more importantly they did not just survive, they thrived. Although that might not seem like the case to outsiders, the joy shared within the community and family proves otherwise.

At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #3

Kelsie Burks is a History Education major at UNG in Dahlonega.

Presentation #4 Title

Respondent

Presentation #4 Abstract or Summary

Response to the three papers.

At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #4

Response will be given by Jamie Mize, a Ph.D. candidate at the University of North Carolina, Greensboro. She is a Lecturer at the University of North Georgia, Gainsville campus.