about AFA
dalton area info
Dalton, Georgia: "Carpet Capital of the World!"

Located 80 miles north of Atlanta and 30 miles south of Chattanooga, Dalton, Georgia "Carpet Capital of the World" is just one of the many sites to see in the beautiful Appalachian foothills of Northwest Georgia. Home ground of the Cherokee Indian Nation.

In the early 1900's, the colonial art of tufting was revived. A farm girl, Catherine Evans Whitener, made a bedspread and sold it for two dollars and fifty cents. This sparked an industrial revolution. Dalton became famous for it's handcrafted chenille bedspreads which were displayed along US Highway 41. Due to the colorful patterns and designs of the many spreads displayed, the highway became known as "Peacock Alley". The success of tufted bedspreads led to the creation of machines that could tuft carpet. This is how by the 1950's Dalton, Georgia became the "Carpet Capital of the World."

There are plenty of sights to see in the area.

Blunt House - 1848 home of Dalton's first mayor, postmaster and relegious leader. 1-706-278-0217

Dug Gap Battle Park - Breastworks built by Civil War soldiers during the Atlanta campaign. 1-706-278-0217

Crown Gardens & Archives/Hamilton House Museum - Museum built Dalton's oldest brick home devoted to Dalton's textile industry; civil war materials, artifacts, Cherokee Indian history, Georiga poet Robert Loveman. 1-706-278-0217

Dalton Depot - Built in 1847, this National register historic site is now an upscale restaurant & lounge. 1-706-226-3160

Ellis Collection Doll Museum - A personal collection of over 1500 antique & modern dolls. 1-706-278-9368

Prater's Mill - An historic grist mill, built in 1855 with slave labor. County Fair in May & October. 1-706-272-7676

Downtown Dalton - Features a number of antique & specialty shops. Self-guided walking tour maps available. 1-706-278-3332

Clisby-Austin House Railroad Tunnel - Civil war historical site, the oldest railroad in the South. Site of the Battle of Tunnel Hill Reenactment each September. 1-706-673-5152

Carpet Industry Tours - Free tours can be arranged by calling the Dalton Convention & Visitors Center. 1-706-272-7676

Creative Arts Guild - Sponsors changing gallery exhibits. 1-706-278-0168

Dalton Little Theater - Oldest community theater in Georgia, with first production in 1869. 1-706-226-6618

Artistic Civic Theatre - Non-profit community theater presents a variety of productions. 1-706-278-4796

Barnsley Inn & Golf at Barnsley Gardens - 1300 acres among the Appalachian foothills. English cottage & golf resort that is known as a place of unique beauty. 1-770-773-7480

You may also find these items of interest:

Walnut Square Mall
Market Street Shops
Carpet Outlets
Nob North Municipal Golf Course 1-706-694-8505
Cohutta National Fish Hatchery 1-706-694-8830
Cohutta Springs Adventist Center & Wildlife Refuge 1-706-695-9093
Spring Creek Preserve 1-706-272-7676
The Pinhoti Trail 1-706-638-1085
Ocoee River Rafting 1-800-331-3258
Chickamauga National Military Park 1-706-866-9241
Chieftain's Trail 1-800-331-3258
Blue & Gray Trail 1-800-331-3258
Chief Vann House 1-706-695-2598
Red Clay Park 1-423-478-0339