Nicknamed the “Carpet Capital of the World”, Dalton nestles in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Georgia’s north-west. It provided a backdrop to the Great Locomotive Chase of 1862, which saw Union Army volunteers commandeer a train of the Western & Atlantic Railroad. As they travelled between Atlanta and Chattanooga, they wreaked as much havoc as possible.
Things to do in Dalton
In the heart of the city is the Dalton Freight Depot, which is one of the oldest surviving commercial buildings in Dalton. Today, it houses exhibits about the history of the railroad and the events leading up to the Civil War’s Great Locomotive Chase. In addition to listening to live feeds from train radios, you can learn about the importance of Dalton’s textile industry.
Dalton is home to one of the oldest arts organisations in Georgia, the Creative Arts Guild, which hosts changing art exhibitions throughout the year. Coincide your visit with a musical performance or a culinary workshop, then stroll through the adjacent sculpture garden. The Creative Arts Guild also has an on-site gym where fitness classes are held.
A short drive south-west of Dalton is Dug Gap Battle Park, which offers insight into the Civil War history of the region. It preserves the remains of breastworks that were built by Arkansas troops as Unionists pushed south toward Atlanta. From the ridge, there are magnificent views across the rural landscapes of Whitfield County.
Getting around Dalton
Dalton is around 35 minutes’ drive from Chattanooga and Chattanooga Airport, which has flights to destinations across the United States. Atlanta and Hartfield-Jackson International Airport are 1.5 hours away. Long-distance buses connect to Dalton and travel throughout the city. Many of Dalton’s attractions can easily be accessed on foot.