Bell's Ferry: The History of a Cherokee County Landmark
In the heart of Georgia's historical landscape, Bell's Ferry represents a vital link in the early transportation networks of Cherokee County. While today the name is most commonly associated with a bustling road connecting Marietta and Canton, the origins of the ferry system are rooted in the private enterprises of the 19th century, crossing the natural barriers of the Little River and the Etowah River.
The modern legacy of the ferry survives through Bell's Ferry Road, which serves as an alternative route between the two county seats. This road begins at Church Street in Marietta and extends north to Marietta Street in Canton. Historically, the segment from SR 92 at Oak Grove north to Canton was designated as SR 205 until 1984. Interestingly, the road's path once served as the main street for the small town of Elizabeth.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Key Facts
- Primary Operator: James H. Bell operated ferries across the Etowah River in the mid-19th century.
- Geographic Shift: The original ferry locations are now submerged or altered by the creation of Lake Allatoona.
- Route History: Bell's Ferry Road was partially designated as SR 205 until 1984.
- Key Locations: Historical sites include Land Lot 252/21/2 and Land Lot 478/21/2.
The Evolution of the Ferry Sites
Historical records provide a nuanced view of where Bell's Ferry actually existed. While the current road crosses the Little River—a site now part of a narrow arm of Lake Allatoona—court documents from 1835 suggest that James H. Bell's primary operations were actually on the Etowah River.
The First Etowah Site
In 1835, James H. Bell operated a ferry on the Etowah River. Evidence suggests this was located on Land Lot 252/21/2, as Bell owned this land which spanned both banks of the river. This site is situated near the present-day Bridge Mill community, northwest of the intersection of Bells Ferry and Sixes roads. Bell sold this land and the accompanying ferry in June 1835.
The Second Etowah Site
In January 1837, Bell expanded his interests by purchasing Land Lot 478/21/2 on the Etowah. This location had a ferry established as early as 1834 by Jonathan J. Johnson. Bell managed this crossing until December 1855, when he sold the property to Samuel Lovinggood, who subsequently constructed a bridge near the site. This area is located near what is now known as Victoria Landing on Lake Allatoona.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Regional Impact and Infrastructure
The existence of these two ferry locations explains the current layout of the region's infrastructure. The various "Bell's Ferry" roads found across the Etowah River, running north and west from Land Lot 478/21/2, are direct descendants of these early transit points.
Within the city of Marietta, the road's naming remains a point of local detail. While official street signs use the possessive "Bell's," the southernmost section is referred to as the Church Street Extension. This name change occurs near the Cobb Electric Membership Corporation, rather than at a major intersection like Cobb Parkway.
| Location/Lot | River | Key Figure | Period/Date | Modern Landmark |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Land Lot 252/21/2 | Etowah | James H. Bell | c. 1835 | Bridge Mill community |
| Land Lot 478/21/2 | Etowah | Jonathan J. Johnson / James H. Bell | 1834–1855 | Victoria Landing |
| Little River Site | Little River | Private Operator | Unknown | Lake Allatoona arm |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Bell's Ferry located today?
The physical ferries no longer exist; the sites are now part of Lake Allatoona. However, the name persists through Bell's Ferry Road, which connects Marietta and Canton.
Who was James H. Bell?
James H. Bell was a private ferry operator in the 1830s and 1850s who owned and operated crossings on the Etowah River at Land Lot 252/21/2 and Land Lot 478/21/2.
Was there a ferry on the Little River?
While Bell's Ferry Road crosses the Little River, historical documentation for a "Bell's Ferry" at that specific location is lacking; records indicate a King's Ferry existed there in the 1830s.
What happened to the ferry at Land Lot 478?
James H. Bell operated this ferry until December 1855, when he sold the property to Samuel Lovinggood, who then built a bridge across the Etowah River in that vicinity.
What was the former designation of Bell's Ferry Road?
Until 1984, the section of the road running from SR 92 at Oak Grove north to Canton was designated as State Route 205 (SR 205).