Nature Trails, History, and Lots More In Roswell
I had the good fortune to visit Roswell recently for a wedding (let’s also add that it was the FIRST wedding I was attending with my boyfriend and his family).
This was a town that I had really only driven through before, but this wedding afforded me the chance to see the city in a little more detail. I had NO idea how cute this town was, or even how much history it held. Now, as a little sidebar, I’m not sure why I didn’t realize how old the town was… I remember Roswell being the setting of a book I read as a middle schooler about the Civil War. (For those curious- here it is. I enjoyed it as a child very much!)
Their downtown is just so cute and adorable, historic buildings have been restored and turned into various shops and restaurants. Roswell Town Square was built in 1839 “as part of the original design of the town envisioned by founder Roswell King. The bandstand was added in 1905 on the occasion of President Theodore Roosevelt’s vist to his mother’s girlhood home. Today, the square is the site of art shows and other festivals and events, including weddings.” (Explore Georgia)
Specifically, be sure to check out Old Mill Park. “On the banks of Vickery Creek, ruins of the Roswell Manufacturing Co. mills can be found. Constructed in 1839 and 1853, these mills were burned by Union forces on July 7, 1864. The original machine shop and the waterfall created when the creek was dammed to provide water power can be viewed from the interpretive trail. A covered pedestrian bridge over the creek connects the walking trail that begins in Old Mill Park to the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area trail system.” (Travel Media Press Room)
(Credit: Visit Roswell Convention and Visitors Bureau)
Now, I was not prepared for this type of adventure on this visit (note that their website says “wear proper shoes”… I was prepared to be all fancy for a wedding weekend) otherwise I would have been raring to go.
(Credit: Visit Roswell Convention and Visitors Bureau)
(Credit: Visit Roswell Convention and Visitors Bureau)
“Notice the 1853 Machine Shop, the only existing building left of the original 1839 Roswell Manufacturing Company. The building is a two story brick building and is late Georgian in style. The interpretive trail to the left of the Machine Shop will allow you to view the old mill ruins and the waterfall created by the dam.
To the right of the Old Machine Shop is the Vickery Creek Covered Pedestrian Bridge This bridge links to the Chattahoochee River National Recreation area and allows you to enjoy the forest and a hike to the Chattahoochee River.”
Another interesting bit of history connected to the mill workers of Roswell is enshrined in the Lost Mill Workers of Roswell monument.
(Credit: Visit Roswell Convention and Visitors Bureau)
“Theophile Roche, a French citizen, had been employed by the cotton mills and later the woolen mill. In an attempt to save the mills, he flew a French flag in hopes of claiming neutrality. However, the letters CSA (Confederate States of America) were found on cloth being produced. For two days the mill was spared, but on July 7, after it was proven that the claim of being neutral was false, General Sherman ordered everyone connected with the mill to be charged with treason. The nearby cotton mill was also destroyed. Mill workers, mostly women and children since the men were fighting the war, were arrested, charged with treason and sent north to uncertain fates. One of the women involved in this tragedy was pregnant and working as a seamstress at the mill. She was sent north to Chicago and left to fend for herself. It would take five years before she and her daughter would return, on foot, to Roswell, only to find that her husband had remarried because he thought she was dead. A monument, dedicated to the 400 women and children, is located in the park on Sloan Street.”
I know on my next trip to Roswell I’ll be making a visit- and you should, too! Just be sure to bring the appropriate footwear.
Love to all y’all,
Molly
