Cascade Heights facts for kids
Cascade Heights is a lively neighborhood located in southwest Atlanta, Georgia. It's known for its beautiful homes and green spaces. A main road called Cascade Road runs through the area. This road used to be known as Sandtown Road way back in the 1800s. It followed an old trail called the Sandtown Trail, which went from Stone Mountain all the way to a Native American village called Sandtown, located on the Chattahoochee River.
Contents
A Look Back in Time
Early Settlers and Farms
After Native American tribes moved from the area in the 1830s, many settlers quickly moved in. You can still see their names on some of the roads today, like Willis Mill Road and Dodson Drive. In the 1800s, this area was mostly made up of small farms.
Community Life and Important Places
Even though there wasn't a big town center, people gathered at important places. There was a post office at a spot called Utoy. Churches like Utoy Primitive Baptist Church and Mt. Gilead Methodist Church were started in 1824 and became very important community hubs. People also met at mills, like Willis' Mill and Herring's Mill, where they could grind corn, saw lumber, and catch up with neighbors.
The Civil War in Cascade Heights
In 1864, during the American Civil War, soldiers built defenses around Atlanta. As the Union army moved closer, more defenses were built, including some along Sandtown Road. In August 1864, a battle called the Battle of Utoy Creek took place in and around what is now the Cascade Nature Preserve. The Confederate army held their ground during this fight.
The Story of Cascade Springs
For many years, the area stayed mostly farmland. Then, in the late 1800s, a special spot called Cascade Springs became popular. It was named after three small waterfalls that flow near the road. A small resort was built there, offering a place for people to relax. Today, you can still see a beautiful old spring house that protects the original spring.
Cascade Heights Today
Where is Cascade Heights?
Today, the name "Cascade" often refers to a much larger area than just the original springs. Generally, it's thought to be bordered by I-20 to the north and I-285 to the west. The area grew a lot between the two World Wars and even more after World War II. Many old farms were divided into new neighborhoods like Audubon Forest and West Manor. In 1953, Cascade Heights officially became part of the City of Atlanta.
Well-Known People from Cascade Heights
Many famous and important people have lived in Cascade Heights:
- Maynard Jackson (1938-2003): He was the first African American mayor of Atlanta.
- Shirley Franklin: She also served as a mayor of Atlanta.
- Andrew Young: A former United Nations Ambassador and another mayor of Atlanta.
- John Lewis (1940–2020): A very important civil rights leader and a congressman.
- Hank Aaron (1934–2021): A legendary baseball player.
- Benjamin Mays, Ph.D. (1894-1984): He was the president of Morehouse College for many years.
- Dr. Hamilton Holmes (1945-1995): One of the first two African American students to attend the University of Georgia.
- Dr. Clint Warner, M.D. (1924-2012): A surgeon and a leader at Southwest Community Hospital, which was one of the first medical centers in the U.S. owned or run by African Americans.
- Ozell Sutton: A past national president of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity and a founder of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
- Dr. Howard W. Grant, Ph.D.: An Executive Director/Administrator for the Atlanta Board of Education.
- Kandi Burruss: A singer, songwriter, record producer, and a cast member of The Real Housewives of Atlanta.
- Major Harry R. "Bob" Kerr: He was the president of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association.
- Joseph Suttles: A former grand master of the Masonic Lodge of Georgia.
