Roswell, Georgia
City
Roswell City Hall
Roswell City Hall
Official logo of Roswell, Georgia
Location in Fulton County and the state of Georgia
Location in Fulton County and the state of Georgia
Roswell is located in Georgia
Roswell
Roswell
Location of Roswell in Metro Atlanta
Roswell is located in the United States
Roswell
Roswell
Roswell (the United States)
Roswell is located in Metro Atlanta
Roswell
Roswell
Roswell (Metro Atlanta)
Coordinates: 34°02′21″N 84°21′05″W / 34.03917°N 84.35139°W / 34.03917; -84.35139
Country United States
State Georgia
CountyFulton
IncorporatedFebruary 16, 1854
Government
 • MayorKurt Wilson
 • City AdministratorRandy Knighton
 • City CouncilSarah Beeson, Mike Palermo, Christine Hall, Peter Vanstrom, William Morthland, Lee Hills
Area
[1]
 • Total42.00 sq mi (108.77 km2)
 • Land40.73 sq mi (105.48 km2)
 • Water1.27 sq mi (3.29 km2)  3.1%
Elevation
[2]
1,050 ft (320 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total92,833
 • Density2,279.40/sq mi (880.08/km2)
Time zoneUTC−5 (EST)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−4 (EDT)
ZIP codes
30075-30077
Area code770/678/404
FIPS code13-67284[3]
GNIS feature ID2404651[2]
Websitewww.roswellgov.com

Roswell is a city in northern Fulton County, Georgia, United States. At the official 2020 census, the city had a population of 92,883, making Roswell the state's ninth largest city.[4] A close suburb of Atlanta, Roswell has an affluent historic district.[5]

History and government

Vickery (Big) Creek Dam

In 1830, while on a trip to northern Georgia, Roswell King passed through the area of what is now Roswell and observed the great potential for building a cotton mill along Vickery Creek. Since the land nearby was also good for plantations, he planned to put cotton processing near cotton production.

Toward the middle of the 1830s, King returned to build a mill that would soon become the largest in north Georgia – Roswell Mill. He brought with him 36 African slaves from his own coastal plantation, plus another 42 skilled carpenter slaves bought in Savannah to build the mills. The slaves built the mills, infrastructure, houses, mill worker apartments, and supporting buildings for the new town. The Africans brought their unique Geechee culture, language, and religious traditions from the coast to north Georgia.

The old Roswell Presbyterian Church, built in 1839

King invited investors from the coast to join him at the new location. He was also joined by Barrington King, one of his sons, who succeeded his father in the manufacturing company. Archibald Smith was one of the planters who migrated there to establish a new plantation, also bringing enslaved African Americans from the coastal areas.

Shortly after 1832 a survey of the area was conducted by Nathan Crawford Barnett as part of the Cherokee Purchase in preparation for the sixth state administrated land lottery culminating in the Cherokee removal.[6][7]

Barrington Hall (the home of Barrington King), Smith Plantation (the home of Archibald Smith) and Bulloch Hall (the childhood home of President Theodore Roosevelt's mother, Mittie Bulloch) have been preserved and restored. They are now open to the public. According to the 1850 Slave Schedules, these three "founding families", together with the next three largest planters, held 192 slaves, 51% of the total 378 slaves held in Roswell District. Archibald Smith had a 300-acre (1.2 km2) cotton plantation. According to the 1850 Census, Barrington King held 70 slaves. Half of these slaves were under the age of 10. These slaves worked in Barrington's household. Barrington King "leased" or "rented" some of his adult male slaves to the Roswell Manufacturing Company, but they did not work around the mill machinery.

Bulloch Hall, built in 1839

The Roswell area was part of Cobb County when first settled, and the county seat of Marietta was a four-hour (one-way) horseback ride to the west. Since Roswell residents desired a local government, they submitted a city charter for incorporation to the Georgia General Assembly. The charter was approved on February 16, 1854.

By the time of the Civil War, the cotton mills employed more than 400 people, mostly women. Given settlement patterns in the Piedmont region, they were likely of Scots-Irish descent. As the mill increased in production, so did the number of people living in the area.

Barrington Hall, built in 1842
Archibald Smith Plantation Home, built in 1845

During the Civil War, the city was captured by Union forces under the leadership of General Kenner Garrard. Under orders of General Sherman, Garrard shipped the mill workers north to prevent them from returning to work if the mills were rebuilt. This was a common tactic of Sherman to economically disrupt the Confederate rebellion. The mill was burned, but the houses were left standing. The ruins of the mill and the 30-foot (9.1 m) dam that was built for power still remain. Most of the town's property was confiscated by Union forces. The leading families had left the town to go to safer places well before the Civil War, and arranged for the enslaved people to be taken away from advancing Union troops, as was often the practice. Some slaves may have escaped to freedom beyond Union lines.

After the war, Barrington King rebuilt the mills and resumed production. While many freedmen stayed in the area to work as paid labor on plantations or in town, others migrated to Fulton County and Atlanta for new opportunities. The South suffered an agricultural depression resulting from the effects of the war and the end of slavery in the United States.

According to the census, the population of Cobb County decreased slightly from 14,242 in 1860, to 13,814 in 1870. The proportion of African-Americans decreased more, from 27% to 23%. During those years, nearby Fulton County more than doubled in population, from 14,427 to 33,336. The effects of dramatic African-American migration can be seen by the increase in Fulton County from 20.5% slave in 1860 to 45.7% colored (Black) in 1870.

At the end of 1931, the United States was in the midst of the Great Depression. The difficult economic conditions drove Milton County, Roswell's neighboring county to the north (note: much of what is now Roswell was part of Milton County already), to merge in its entirety with Fulton County, Roswell's neighboring county to the south. To facilitate the merger, Roswell was ceded from Cobb County to become part of Fulton County. This became effective the 9th day of May in 1932. Roswell filed all legal records, including vital statistics, real estate, and the results of torts with the county clerk of Cobb before this date; with the county clerk of Fulton, after this date.

Lori Henry served as the first woman elected as Mayor of Roswell from 2018 to 2021.

Kurt Wilson is the current Mayor of Roswell. His term began in January 2022 and ends December 31, 2025.

Geography

Roswell is located in northern Fulton County. It is bordered to the north by Milton, to the northeast by Alpharetta, to the east by Johns Creek, to the southeast by Peachtree Corners in Gwinnett County, to the south by Sandy Springs, to the west by unincorporated land in Cobb County, and to the northwest by the city of Mountain Park and by unincorporated land in Cherokee County. The southern boundary of the city follows the Chattahoochee River.

According to the United States Census Bureau, Roswell has a total area of 42.0 square miles (108.8 km2), of which 40.7 square miles (105.5 km2) is land and 1.3 square miles (3.3 km2), or 3.06%, is water.[5]

Geographic features

Climate

Roswell features a Humid subtropical climate, which is characterized by abundant precipitation that is spread evenly throughout the year.

Climate data for Roswell, Georgia
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Mean daily maximum °F (°C) 49.2
(9.6)		 53.4
(11.9)		 62.4
(16.9)		 71.5
(21.9)		 78.4
(25.8)		 84.9
(29.4)		 87.4
(30.8)		 86.9
(30.5)		 81.3
(27.4)		 71.7
(22.1)		 62.3
(16.8)		 52.7
(11.5)		 70.2
(21.2)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C) 27.9
(−2.3)		 29.9
(−1.2)		 37.0
(2.8)		 44.7
(7.1)		 53.9
(12.2)		 61.9
(16.6)		 65.6
(18.7)		 65.2
(18.4)		 59.3
(15.2)		 46.7
(8.2)		 37.5
(3.1)		 30.7
(−0.7)		 46.7
(8.2)
Average rainfall inches (mm) 4.9
(120)		 4.9
(120)		 6.0
(150)		 4.2
(110)		 4.3
(110)		 3.8
(97)		 4.5
(110)		 4.0
(100)		 3.8
(97)		 3.6
(91)		 3.7
(94)		 4.7
(120)		 52.3
(1,330)
Source: [8]

Demographics

Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
1870479—
18801,180146.3%
18901,138−3.6%
19001,32916.8%
19101,158−12.9%
19201,2276.0%
19301,43216.7%
19401,62213.3%
19502,12330.9%
19602,98340.5%
19705,43082.0%
198023,337329.8%
199047,923105.4%
200079,33465.5%
201088,34611.4%
202092,8335.1%
U.S. Decennial Census[9]

2020 census

Roswell racial composition[10]
Race Num. Perc.
White (non-Hispanic) 58,745 63.28%
Black or African American (non-Hispanic) 10,694 11.52%
Native American 87 0.09%
Asian 4,626 4.98%
Pacific Islander 31 0.03%
Other/Mixed 4,560 4.91%
Hispanic or Latino 14,090 15.18%

As of the 2020 United States census, there were 92,833 people, 35,944 households, and 25,529 families residing in the city.

2010 census

In the last official U.S. Census of 2010, Roswell had a population of 88,346. The racial and ethnic composition of the population was 74.7% White, 11.7% Black or African American, 4.0% Asian, 0.3% Native American, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 6.6% from some other race and 2.5% from two or more races. 16.6% of the population was Hispanic or Latino of any race; a majority of them were of Mexican origin (11.5% of the total population).[11]

2000 census

In the preceding census[3] of 2000, there were 79,334 people, 30,207 households, and 20,933 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,086.5 inhabitants per square mile (805.6/km2). There were 31,300 housing units at an average density of 823.2 per square mile (317.8/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 81.51% White, 8.54% African American, 0.20% Native American, 3.74% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 4.08% from other races, and 1.90% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 10.61% of the population.

There were 30,207 households, out of which 34.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.1% were married couples living together, 8.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.7% were non-families. 23.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 4.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.61 and the average family size was 3.07.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 24.4% under the age of 18, 8.2% from 18 to 24, 35.1% from 25 to 44, 24.7% from 45 to 64, and 7.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37.2 years. For every 100 females, there were 100.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.0 males.

According to a 2007 estimate, the median income for a household in the city was $73,469, and the median income for a family was $103,698. The average income for households was $106,219 and the average income for families was $123,481. Males had a median income of $72,754 versus $45,979 for females. The per capita income for the city was $40,106. About 3.2% of families and 5.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.6% of those under age 18 and 0.7% of those age 65 or over.[12]

Household income (2010)[13]

Income Percent
under $14,999 3.8%
$15,000 – $34,999 3.7%
$35,000 – $74,999 14.4%
$75,000 – $99,999 17.9%
$100,000 – $149,999 24.3%
$150,000 – $199,999 6.9%
$200,000 + 11.0%

Household income (2010)[13]

Median $87,080
Per capita $43,286
Mean $117,088
Average family size 3.23
Average household size 2.70

Roswell median housing value[13]

Year Value
1990 $143,497
2000 $207,700
2005 $299,000

2000 population by age[13]

Age Percent
Under 5 6.8%
5–9 7.9%
10–19 12.7%
20–29 9.8%
30–39 19.4%
40–49 17.2%
50–59 13.9%
60–69 5.5%
70 and over 4.4%
Not known 2.4%
Median age 37.2

Population by gender (2006)[13]

Gender Percent
Male 49.2%
Female 50.8%

Education[13]

Level Percent
Less than high school 5.1%
High school graduate 12.8%
Associate degree 6.1%
Bachelor's degree 40.3%
Graduate degree 18.8%

Race and ethnicity[13]

Ethnicity Percent
American Indian, Eskimo, Aleut 0.9%
Asian 4.4%
Black 12.4%
White 73.9%
Other 6.3%
Hispanic 14.8%

Economy

The Consulate-General of Honduras in Atlanta is located at Suite 3 in 600 Houze Way in Roswell.[14] The city's largest employers are The Kimberly Clark Corporation, Wellstar North Fulton Hospital, Harry's Farmers Market, and The City Of Roswell.[15] A section of Route 400 between Roswell and Atlanta is known as the high tech corridor, where many technology firms like Kimberly Clark have factories or offices.[16] As of the 2006 census, one third of Roswell's 5.000 registered business were home based. The largest industries were retail, technology, food services, wholesale trade and health care.[16]

Many Roswell residents work in nearby Atlanta.[16]

Businesses with their headquarters in Roswell include Snorg Tees,[17] Tripwire Interactive,[18] and Pharsalia Technologies.[19]

Arts and culture

Festivals and parades

  • Roswell Memorial Day Ceremony — the largest Memorial Day Ceremony in Georgia
  • Roswell Roots: A Festival of Black History & Culture (February)
  • Roswell Criterium Bicycle Race and Historic Roswell Kiwanis Kids Bike Safety Rodeo (May)
  • Roswell Magnolia Storytelling Festival (June)
  • Riverside Sounds Concert Series (May — October)
  • Roswell Youth Day Parade and Festival (October)
  • Keep Roswell Beautiful Duck Race (October)
  • Roswell Annual Fireworks Extravaganza July 4
  • Roswell Wine Festival (first Sunday in October - Sunday, October 4, 2015)[20]
  • Alive in Roswell (third Thursday of the month, April–October)

Sites

Public libraries

Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System operates the Roswell Branch and the East Roswell Branch.[21]

Sports

The Chess Club and Scholastic Center of Atlanta, founded by GM Ben Finegold, is located in Roswell.

Parks and recreation

Pond at East Roswell Park

The city maintains more than 900 acres (3.6 km2) of parkland, as well as three historic house museums.

A branch of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, a component of the National Park System, is located in Roswell at Vickery Creek.

Education

Public schools

Roswell's local public schools are part of the Fulton County School System.

Charter schools

Elementary schools

  • Esther Jackson Elementary School
  • Hembree Springs Elementary School
  • Mimosa Elementary School
  • Mountain Park Elementary School
  • Northwood Elementary School
  • Roswell North Elementary School
  • Sweet Apple Elementary School
  • Hillside Elementary School
  • River Eves Elementary School
  • Vickery Mill Elementary School

Middle schools

  • Crabapple Middle School
  • Elkins Pointe Middle School
  • Holcomb Bridge Middle School

High schools

Entrance to Roswell High School. The gymnasium (aka the Stinger Dome) is visible with its domed roof.

Private schools

Infrastructure

Transportation

Major roads and expressways

Pedestrians and cycling

Notable people

References

  1. ↑ "2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved December 18, 2021.
  2. 1 2 U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Roswell, Georgia
  3. 1 2 "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  4. ↑ "Geography Profile - Roswell city, Georgia". U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved January 7, 2024.
  5. 1 2 "Geographic Identifiers: 2010 Census Summary File 1 (G001), Roswell city, Georgia". American FactFinder. U.S. Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved April 29, 2016.
  6. ↑ "Historic Markers Across Georgia - The Cherokee Nation". Latitude 34 North.com. Retrieved December 26, 2018.
  7. ↑ Allen Daniel Candler; Clement Anselm Evans (1906). Georgia: Comprising Sketches of Counties, Towns, Events, Institutions, and Persons Arranged in Cyclopedic Form ... State historical association. pp. 129–130.
  8. ↑ "Roswell, Georgia". weatherbase. Retrieved August 5, 2017.
  9. ↑ "Census of Population and Housing". Census.gov. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
  10. ↑ "Explore Census Data". data.census.gov. Retrieved December 13, 2021.
  11. ↑ 2010 general profile of demographic and housing characteristics of Roswell from the US Census
  12. ↑ "American FactFinder - Community Facts". Factfinder.census.gov. Archived from the original on February 10, 2020. Retrieved August 4, 2018.
  13. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "City of Roswell: Demographics". City of Roswell. Archived from the original on January 30, 2009. Retrieved January 19, 2009.
  14. ↑ "Consulates". 'Georgia Department of Economic Development. Archived from the original on December 21, 2008. Retrieved October 26, 2008.
  15. ↑ "Roswell GA Top Employers". MBA Today. City Of Roswell Economic Development Division. Retrieved November 17, 2015.
  16. 1 2 3 "Business And Industry In Roswell GA". roswell.org. City Of Roswell. Retrieved November 17, 2015.
  17. ↑ "Snorg Tees". Snorg Tees. Snorg Tees. Retrieved November 17, 2015.
  18. ↑ "Tripwire Interactive Official Linked In Page". linked in. Tripwire Interactive. Retrieved November 17, 2015.
  19. ↑ "Pharsalia Technologies acquired by Alteon". Atlanta Business Chronicle. Atlanta Business Chronicle. Retrieved August 5, 2017.
  20. ↑ "RoswellWineFestival". Roswellwinefestival.com.
  21. ↑ "Roswell BranchAtlanta-Fulton Public Library System. Retrieved on February 24, 2010.
  22. ↑ "Queen of Angels Catholic School". Retrieved August 13, 2019.
  23. ↑ "Jacob's Ladder Center". Retrieved August 13, 2019.
  24. ↑ "Mission Statement". Regina Caeli. Classical Hybrid Education in The Catholic Tradition. Retrieved November 29, 2017.
  25. ↑ "Roswell backs trail along Ga. 400". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
  26. 1 2 3 Vejnoska, Jill (July 23, 2006). "The Bus now living in Atlanta". Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved April 10, 2007.
  27. ↑ "R.E.M.'s Song of the South" - The Washington Post, November 9, 1986
  28. ↑ Boyd, Karen. "New Chess Center Opens September 9, 2017". Georgia Chess News. Retrieved May 8, 2019.
  29. ↑ "University of Maryland Athletics". Umterps.com.
  30. ↑ Craig, Robert M. (December 11, 2014). "Neel Reid (1885-1926)". Georgia Encyclopedia. Retrieved January 22, 2015.
  31. ↑ "5 things to know about Titans kicker Sam Sloman". The Tennessean.
  32. ↑ "Sunny Suljić - Atlanta Actor". love2act.com. Archived from the original on June 25, 2016.

Further reading

  • Sherron D. Lawson, A Guide to the Historic Textile Mill Town of Roswell, Georgia (Roswell, Ga.: Roswell Historical Society, 1996).
  • Walsh, Darlene M., ed. (1994) [1985]. Roswell: A Pictorial History (2nd ed.). Roswell, Georgia: Roswell Historical Society. ISBN 0-9615854-2-0.
  • Galloway, Tammy Harden, ed. 2003. Dear Old Roswell: Civil War Letters of the King Family of Roswell, Georgia. Macon, GA: Mercer University Press.
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