Milton Historical Society

Milton Historical Society, founded in 2018, is acquiring a collection to reflect the history of Milton. Once Cherokee land, white settlers acquired the land via lottery beginning in 1805. Farms and churches began to dot the landscape. Land beside an old crabapple tree became the site for a school house in 1874. This area within Milton is today well known by residents as Crabapple, anchored by the historic Broadwell Building. Cotton was a main crop until the boll weevil and depression left the farmers struggling. Joining with Fulton County in 1932 helped the area manage through these times. Schools, roads and proximity to metro Atlanta sprawl helped growth along the way. Significant amounts of pasture remained until the 1980's even with the continued population growth. The late 1980's to early 2000's have seen a steady transition to a more urban community, highlighted by the city of Milton forming in 2006 from unincorporated Fulton County. By 2020, the city had approached 40,000 residents. The residents and government wish to keep ties with its agricultural past and the Society supports their aims. Not all items in our collection appear here. Check back periodically for updates or contact archives@miltonhistorical-georgia.org. Photo above courtesy of Leslie Watson