Mayor JoAnne Taylor emphasizes the balance between preservation and modernization through recent infrastructure improvements.“We’ve just completed a project that was essentially infrastructure work, but it really helped set the scene in front of stores on the North Square. We had to remove large sycamore trees because their roots were girdled and dying, which was traumatic for our town.”The city reset the entire plaza, flattened problematic sidewalks, and replanted trees using methods that protect nearby century-old buildings from root damage. “We’re trying to do public education as we do these things and help people realize trees don’t live forever,” Martin adds. “We are a tree city and it’s important for us to find ways to enhance our canopy for generations to enjoy.” GOLD RUSH HERITAGE AND SMALL-TOWN CHARM Dahlonega’s tourism appeal rests on a carefully preserved historic foundation that attracts visitors seeking authentic American history. “I think the biggest draw is the history and that it’s been preserved,” Mayor Taylor explains. “There was a leader in our community named Madeline Anthony who really championed preservation back in the day. Without her foresight, I don’t think we would be in as great shape as we are today.” Anthony’s efforts included getting overhead utilities buried around the square, which dramatically changed the visual appeal of the historic district, and preserving the old courthouse as the centerpiece of the downtown area. The results speak for themselves in visitor reactions. “People just say, ‘I love Dahlonega,’” Mayor Taylor notes.“If they know where you’re from, they tell you a story about how they and their wife went there and the wife fell in love with it, and now they have to come back every year so she can go shopping there.” The combination of gold history, historic buildings, and the presence of the university creates multiple draws for different visitor segments, from families exploring American history to prospective students and their parents. Martin highlights the town’s active Main Street program, which earned Dahlonega designation as a Georgia Exceptional Main Street city.“Our Downtown 58 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 10
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