Chestatee, Georgia facts for kids

Chestatee is a small, unincorporated community located in the northeastern part of Forsyth County, Georgia, in the United States. It's found just west of where the Chestatee River flows into the Chattahoochee River. Long ago, this area was a settlement for the Cherokee people, who called it Atsunsta Ti Yi.

What Does Chestatee Mean?

The name "Chestatee" comes from the Cherokee language. It roughly translates to "pine torch place" or "place of lights." The Cherokee people would build large bonfires along the riverbanks. They used these fires to light their torches. These torches were then used to help them hunt deer and other wild animals in the nearby forests.

A post office was opened in Chestatee in 1880. It helped people send and receive mail in the community. However, it closed down in 1904.

The Vann Ferry

Just east of Chestatee, on the road leading to Gainesville, you can find the Vann Ferry. This ferry was owned by a well-known Cherokee Indian leader named Chief Vann. Ferries like this helped people cross rivers before bridges were common.