Hightower Falls facts for kids

Hightower Falls is a beautiful waterfall and a special historic site located in Cedartown, Georgia. It's a place where nature and history come together, showing us how people lived and worked long ago. Today, it's a popular spot for private events and celebrations.

History of Hightower Falls

Early Beginnings

In 1843, a man named Elias Dorsey Hightower, who was 35 years old, built a cotton gin here. It was right next to an 80-foot waterfall in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Back then, cotton was very important to the economy in the Southern United States.

Mr. Hightower then built a large, three-story mill at the site. He used this mill to grind wheat and corn, turning them into flour and cornmeal. The land around the mill was used to raise sheep. Professional Welsh herders lived on the second and third floors of the mill, taking care of the sheep.

During the Civil War

During the American Civil War, Mr. Hightower was worried about his mill and home. Even though soldiers camped on the mill grounds near the Falls, they did not cause any damage.

After this, Mr. Hightower built a dam at the top of the waterfall. This made the waterfall even taller! With the dam in place, he added more businesses. He built a tannery to make leather and a mill to produce sorghum syrup. He also started raising honey bees.

Changes Over Time

In 1972, Hightower Falls opened to the public. Many visitors came to enjoy picnics and explore the beautiful old ruins. Some even found it a romantic getaway. The site had 120 campsites, 12 cabins, a camp store, and a restaurant.

However, all these public facilities closed within two years. For a while, Hightower Falls remained mostly unused, and the old mill became ruins. Only the walls of the original mill building still stand today.

Reopening for Private Events

In 1996, new owners bought Hightower Falls. They understood how important its history was. Because of this, they decided to reopen the site for public use once more.

Today, Hightower Falls is available for private bookings only. This means you can reserve it for special parties, weddings, or other celebrations.

Amenities at Hightower Falls

Hightower Falls offers several facilities for private parties and celebrations. These include:

• A large recreational space with picnic tables, perfect for outdoor gatherings.
• Twelve cabins that can sleep up to 46 people, making it great for overnight stays.
• Walking trails and campsite areas for exploring the natural beauty of the Falls.