Introduction to Gainesville, Georgia
Gainesville is situated in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Hall County. A portion of the city is located along the shoreline of the popular Lake Lanier. Gainesville is known for being a major center for poultry processing and is the primary business center for Northeast Georgia. The municipality if known as the "Queen City of the Mountains." It has a subtropical climate and typically has mild weather during the winter and hot summers.
History
It was known as Mule Camp Springs during the 1800's. The city developed into an important transportation and commerce center. Soon after Hall County was established, Mule Camp Springs was selected as the location for the county's government. The name Gainesville was chosen as a tribute to General Edmund P. Gaines, who was a hero during the War of 1812.
The 1936 Tupelo-Gainesville Outbreak included numerous tornadoes and caused a lot of devastation. Flash flooding was also associated with the tornadoes and caused extensive damage. Two of the devastating tornadoes reached Gainesville. The Cooper Pants factory collapsed; a fire broke out and seventy people were killed. It was estimated that 203 people died and 40 were missing. After World War II ended, Jesse Jewel began the vast poultry processing industry which became a significant factor for the local economy.
Activities
Lake Lanier has an extensive shoreline and is a prominent location for camping, horseback riding, golfing and other activities and includes numerous marinas. The Appalachian Trail runs through the nearby Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest which provides rugged hiking areas, white water rafting, canoeing, camping, fishing and scenic views. The Mule Camp Market is a notable festival. The Paradise Fun Park is a popular destination for families.
Higher Education
The city is home to Gainesville State College and Brenau University.
Attractions
- Elachee Nature Science Center is a woodland refuge and contains a museum. It also includes trails for hiking and bicycle riding
- The Chateau Elan Winery and Resort offers a spa, championship golf courses and other attractions
- Quinlan Visual Arts Center
- Historic downtown Gainesville
- Georgia Mountain Museum
- Chief Whitepath's Cabin is now a museum featuring Cherokee as well as early American relics
- Beulah Rucker Museum showcases furnishings and numerous artifacts from the early 20th Century
- Wages Collection is located in a Victorian cottage and features historic clothing
- Gainesville Symphony Orchestra
