Textile mills sprang up across the area as the railroads were built. A severe depression in the early 1840's delayed the growth of the area, but by 1860 Georgia had 1200 miles of track and the best rail system in the deep South. Although largely regarded as an agricultural area, North Georgia also had numerous tanneries, brickworks, and iron foundries. Iron, clay, coal and marble were also taken from the ground. Large cotton mills developed in Roswell and in Manchester The larger cities of the time included Ringgold, a warehouse district south of Chattanooga, Cassville, a major cultural center until destroyed by Sherman during the War for Southern Independence, and Athens, home to the University of Georgia.
Many misconceptions exist about the institution of slavery in North Georgia.
One is that a significant number of North Georgians owned slaves. Slaves were a sign of wealth. Most slaves were owned by planters and, to a much less extent, professionals. Another misconception is that all slaves were black. Many were Cherokee who were left behind during the Trail of Tears .