The Civil War
The Gillsville area as well as much of Northeast Georgia was an area of small isolated farms during the mid 1800’s. This is what saved the area from the devastation of the Civil War. The only battle fought in the area that I could find reference to was the battle of Currahee Mountain in 1864, a
Confederate victory. Life was hard. It was a challenge to just scratch out an existence for your family, so it was extremely hard to go off to war and have your family survive while you were gone.
The people of North Georgia did not feel the effects of the war for almost two years. At that point, the war began to become more of a hardship. With most resources supporting the war effort, supplies became scare. The price of flour rose to $40 a barrel by the end of 1862 and was $125 a barrel by the end of the war. Salt was $125 per bag. There was no coffee at any price because Union ships had blockaded the coast since the beginning of the war. To add to the problem, Confederate currency was rapidly becoming worthless, making it impossible to purchase necessary staple items for everyday life.
In Northeast Georgia, Pro-Union sentiment was running high even before the war began. Union County was named in honor of the Unionists during the Nullification Crisis thirty years earlier. However, they were hard to find once the war started. Anarchy ran rampant over much of the area and armed men on horseback controlled large areas. Governor Brown would occasionally send in cavalry troops, but they were very ineffective. As a side note, the Banks County Courthouse was completed in 1863 and paid for with 6,600 Confederate dollars.
The only pre-Civil War structure located in Gillsville was the John Garrison home, which was located across the railroad tracks from the downtown area. Mr. Garrison operated a hotel in his home to accommodated local travelers.
It was described in an 1897 Gainesville Eagle article as “a splendid hotel which is ever open to the weary and hungry.” The home was lost to a fire set after a burglary in about 1998.
THE RAILROAD
The Northeastern Railroad was in incorporated Georgia in 1854 and later chartered on October 17, 1870 to build a railroad from Athens In to Clayton.
1872 John Garrison deeded 825 acres to the Northeastern Railroad Company to construct the railroad. He served as the first railroad agent and was a member of the original city council. The 39 mile section from Athens to Lula opened September 1, 1876. The railroad reached Tallulah Falls in 1882. Rolling stock as of August 31, 1882 was listed as: Locomotive Engines – 2, Cars – Passenger – 2, Baggage, etc. – 2, Freight (Box- 8, platform – 8), Total – 20 cars
Earnings reported was $73, 163.51 and expenses were $60, 992.51. Net earnings were $12, 171. 00. Interest paid $18,455.50 leaving a deficit of $6,284.50. Among the directors elected on October 18, 1882 was a G.E. Deadwyler of Maysville, Ga. The Richmond and Danville Railroad purchased Northeastern Railroad stock owned by the city of Athens in 1881. The Richmond and Danville leased the 61 mile line in 1886. The Blue Ridge and Atlantic Railroad, charted in 1887, purchased the northern section (Cornelia to Tallulah Falls) in that same year.
A depot was built in Gillsville in 1879 to accommodate travelers and freight. The community of Wayside was situated one-half mile south. It was eventually absorbed into the town of Gillsville. From November 20, 1883 until 1889, R.K. Reaves, Agent of the State of Georgia, operated the railroad. The Northeastern Railroad was consolidated into the Southern Railroad Company in 1889.
Some Historical Facts
- Gillsville, originally named Stonethrow, is the oldest town in Hall County
- The first known time of settlement in Gillsville was 1784, roughly two years after settlers first arrived in Jackson County
- There is a fort, thought to be nearby, that has not been found to this day
- The clay pottery in Gillsville has gained worldwide attention
- The earliest known potter in the Gillsville area was Clemmonds Chandler from Mossy Creek, 1860
- The Hewell family has been making pottery since at least the 1880’s, and still does today
- In 1900, Gillsville suffered a great fire that destroyed most of Gillsville.
Four of the six stores and the post office burned to the ground.
It is believed the fire was started to cover up a burglery - One of the buildings, believed to be a general store, and dating back to 1850 still exists today.
It is very well preserved.
The 2nd story is supported by the roof, not the 1st floor as in most buildings - The homes that line the main corridor of Gillsville date between the late 1800’s and early 1900’s