If you’re looking for a quaint escape from the city, we’ve got the perfect getaway for you. Tallapoosa, Georgia, a perfect halfway point between Atlanta and Birmingham, is a small town with southern charm to spare! Whether you’re looking to learn more about Georgia history, you want to take in the sights of the Appalachian foothills nature, or you just wan a fun getaway to a small town, Tallapoosa has something to offer everyone! Keep scrolling to learn more.
A ~very~ brief history of Tallapoosa
Tallapoosa’s roots go way back into Georgia history, and of course, even beyond that as indigenous land.
According to Tallapoosa’s official website,
When settlers first arrived in present-day Tallapoosa in 1826, they found a popular meeting ground for Choctaw, Creek, and Cherokee tribes. More settlers started to arrive during the Georgia gold rush (1829-1840s) when a local farmer, William Owens, found gold in 1842.
The Tallapoosa post office was established in 1839, far before the city itself became incorporated in 1860. And just 25 years late, the city experienced an extraordinary boom period during which it became known to investors and tourists throughout the North and Canada as a “Yankee City Under a Southern Sun.”
Fun Fact about Tallapoosa: Early names for Tallapoosa included Pine Grove, Pineville, and Possum Snout, before settling on Tallapoosa, an indigenous word of uncertain meaning.
What’s Tallapoosa like now?
Now, Tallapoosa is known as the Dogwood City, and has a plethora of historic homes, interesting museums, beautiful parks, economic development and industrial opportunities.
For a look into the history of Tallapoosa, you can either check out the West Georgia Museum of Tallapoosa or wander through the history of the town on your own town on a historic walking trail. And for a super interesting side-quest, check out the Bud Jones Taxidermy and Wildlife Museum, which is is one of the few facilities that has mounted life-size African elephant!
And of course, you don’t want to miss out on the Tallapoosa Dogwood Festival, which takes place every second Saturday of April, and includes a whole host of fun family-friendly activities, delicious food, local artists and more!
The Tallapoosa Possum Drop
What? Yes, you read that right. Every New Year’s Eve, Tallapoosa also hosts a… uh, unique ball drop tradition: The Possum Drop! This annual tradition rings in the New Year in a truly one-of-a-kind way.
And don’t worry, it is NOT A LIVE POSSUM. No possums are harmed during the possum drop!
So check out Tallapoosa, y’all! You’ll be glad you did. You can learn more about Tallapoosa’s history and attractions on the city’s website, here!