Canton & Woodstock Black History Driving Tours
Developed by History Cherokee's Black History Committee, these self-guided Driving Tours will guide you through each respective city to unravel stories under-told at your own pace. Print copies are available to grab at the History Center; a digital version of the tour is linked below.
Take the Tours
You can grab a print copy of either tour from the Cherokee County History Center's rack card display or front desk. Or, if you prefer to take the tour online, click below. Please use caution and best judgement if using as a driving tour as many places mentioned are private property or difficult to access via public streets. Respect the laws and respect the locals!
Take the Tour
About the Black History Committee
Learn more about the committee members who created this tour and the Black History Committee's mission statement and objectives.
Learn more
Historic Site Spotlight: Stumptown
Canton, GA
In the 1920’s, the area surrounding Crisler Street began to be developed for a Black community to move closer to the downtown Canton. Many tree stumps were left underneath the building foundations when the area was first developed, so the community came to be known as “Stumptown.”
Originally a dirt road, Crisler Street was paved in 1949 by the City of Canton. Prior to the Civil War this area housed a tannery, and Tanyard Street now runs two blocks down to a small creek where the tannery was located. Teasley, Roy, Jefferson, and Burge Streets were also within the Stumptown community.
Historic Site Spotlight: Home of Miss Magnolia Thomas
Woodstock, GA
Born on June 18, 1890, educator Magnolia Thomas may be the single most influential Black woman in the history of Woodstock. A graduate of Spelman College, Magnolia Thomas taught in all Black schools in Canton, TooNigh, Bethel, Orange, and Hickory Flat.
In 1911, Her older brother Robert Thomas purchased an acre and a half plot of land on Arnold Mill Road Magnolia Thomas and her mother Caroline moved into the house at 108 Arnold Mill Road, which was only a block away from the Training School. Her home was converted into a restaurant named in her honor. Tragically, it was lost to a fire in 2008, but a reconstruction of the original home still sits at the site today. Magnolia Thomas died on March 16, 1988 at the age of 98, leaving behind a legacy as a great teacher and community member.
