Elizabeth, Georgia facts for kids

Elizabeth was a place in Cobb County, Georgia, that was officially a town and later a city for many years. It was created by a law in 1885 as the "Town of Elizabeth." However, it never really worked like a normal town. For example, there's no record of anyone ever voting for a mayor or city council there.

In 1964, another law changed its name to the "City of Elizabeth." People living there even voted to approve this change. But still, no one ever elected leaders for the city. Finally, in 1995, Elizabeth's city status was taken away. This happened because a new law said cities had to provide at least three important services to their residents, and Elizabeth didn't.

The Story of Elizabeth

How Elizabeth Was Defined

When Elizabeth was first made a town in 1885, its borders were set in a special way. The town was a circle with a half-mile radius. This circle started from the center of the engine house of the American Marble Cutting Company.

In 1964, when it became the City of Elizabeth, the borders were described again. They were still a half-mile circle. This time, the center was the engine house of the Frank G. North Chemical Company. This was the same spot as the old American Marble Cutting Company engine house. So, the city limits went a half-mile in every direction from that central point.

Rules for the Town

The state government decided how Elizabeth would be run. It was supposed to have a mayor and five people on a city council. These leaders would be elected every four years.

After each election, the new council was supposed to choose a city marshal and a city clerk. The town was also given the power to collect taxes. This power had some rules, but it meant the town could raise money.

Where Did the Name Come From?

People say that the community of Elizabeth was named after a daughter of Joseph E. Brown. He was a very important person, serving as the 42nd Governor of Georgia.

Elizabeth Today

The area that used to be Elizabeth is now completely inside the city of Marietta. Even though it's not a separate city anymore, some important things are still there.

For example, the Georgia Northeastern Railroad has its base in Elizabeth. A special train track, called a spur line, branches off from the main CSX tracks at Elizabeth Yard. Also, Cobb EMC, a company that provides electricity, has its main office in Elizabeth.

Elizabeth was located about 2.6 miles north of a famous landmark called the Big Chicken. The main road through this area is Cobb Parkway. Other important roads include Elizabeth Street and Canton Road.