Local News
How did these North Fulton cities get their names?
A general store and barber shop were among the main attractions on Canton Street in 1947. Photo courtesy Roswell Historical Society.
Does this sound familiar: Driving past the welcome sign of a familiar city or town and pondering, "Where the heck did that name come from?"
It’s OK. I do the same thing, especially considering I’m new to the region.
Luckily, I've discovered the origins of some notable cities in North Fulton (a few of these tidbits might surprise you.)
Alpharetta
Georgia.gov says the name Alpharetta is a variation of a fictional Indian girl, Alfarata, who was featured in a 19th century song, “The Blue Juniata.” The city’s name also stems from “Alpha,” which is Greek for “first.”
Johns Creek
The city has roots dating back to the early 19th century when settlers started swarming to the region looking for gold in the Cherokee Indian territory. The name comes from the 8-mile creek that runs throughout parts of Fulton and Forsyth counties. The city was incorporated in 2006.
Milton
This city is only ten years old but the origin of its name dates back to the 18th century. The city’s website says its name honors John Milton, a lieutenant colonel in the Revolutionary War who served as Georgia’s first secretary of state.
Roswell
Businessman, slave owner and industrialist Roswell King is the namesake for this city. He originally traveled to Georgia from New England for mining purposes. He would later establish textile mills in North Fulton during the 1830s.
Sandy Springs
City tourism officials attribute the namesake to a bubbling, watering stop for Native Americans, which would later become origin of the community during the 1800s. Tourists can find the original “sandy springs” at Heritage Green, the city’s four-acre park and museum grounds.
