Whitepath died on the journey. Walking Stick, also of Gilmer County, joined Ross in a failed attempt to abrogate the Treaty of New Echota in 1836. By this time Fort Hetzel was being expanded to house an estimated 1100 Cherokee from the area. Held in the fort for nearly 6 months with little food and no sanitation, many Native Americans died. More died on the march, which began down the Dahlonega to Tennessee Road roughly following Route 52 west of Ellijay.
Some letters seem to indicate that the road was improved specifically for the forced march.
Among the early industrial developments were the Atherton Mills near Talking Rock, a complex that had a grist mill, wool carder, saw mill, and cotton gin, that was partially destroyed during the Atlanta Campaign . A significant copper mining industry developed. After the war Gilmer returned to a agricultural society and the boom-bust cycle of a single product economy. When the railroad crossed the south end of Gilmer there was much anticipation in Ellijay. The Marietta and North Georgia entered the county in 1883 but did not complete the road to the county seat until December 2, 1884.