Summerville, A Unique Town In Northwest Georgia, is a small town north of Rome. It is part of Chattooga County, named after a river that runs through the county called Chattooga by the Cherokee Indians.
One of Georgia’s most beautiful state parks is in Summerville: James H “Sloppy” Floyd State Park. It is a 561-acre park with two lakes, camping, hiking, picnic areas, and a waterfall. It has both primitive camping and lots of RV hookups. It also has cabins that are available for rent. This area is perfect for a day trip, a weekend getaway, or a long, restful vacation. There is so much to do and enjoy. Read my article on James H “Sloppy” Floyd State Park for more detailed information.
In the historic downtown area of Summerville, you will find The Couey House, located at Dowdy Park. It was built in the early 1840s near Tidings, Georgia. It was relocated seven miles to its current location to facilitate the widening of Highway 27. It was one of the earliest homes built in Chattooga County. The home has been carefully restored and maintained by the city of Summerville.
Next to the Couey House, also located in Dowdy Park, is the Summerville Train Depot and Turntable. In 1889 the Chattanooga, Rome, and Columbus Railroads were built. They connected to Lyerly, Summerville, and Trion. In 1889 the first of three Summerville Train Depots were built. After the first Summerville Depot burned, it was replaced by another depot, which burned on May 4, 1917. The third and current depot was built and operated until the 1950s.
I love this depot picture because it includes the old power line. It looks like a picture straight out of one of my dad’s western movies.
In 1988 the Chattooga County Historical Society bought the depot to preserve it as a historical site. While we were there, the depot was closed, but I peeked in the window and saw old train-related items on display. The Summerville Depot is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The depot is still used when trains come from Chattanooga to use the turntable, one of a few still working railroad turntables today. It is just a few yards from the Depot in Dowdy Park. The turntable was constructed in 1916 and is used to rotate train engines to point them in the right direction, thus saving time and the enormous amount of land needed to do the job otherwise.
Every year at Christmas, the Summerville Train Depot hosts the Summerville Santa Train Ride. This hour and fifteen-minute Christmas ride takes you from Summerville to Trion in a festively decorated train car to meet Santa and enjoy a few treats. Click www.tvrail.com for more information and how to purchase tickets.
Across from the Summerville Depot is a mural painted on the wall of what looked to be an abandoned building. The mural included a painting of whom I assume is Rev. Howard Finster, a landscape mural of the beautiful rolling hills, and something written in the Cherokee language possibly.
Summerville has a small main street named Commerce Street within walking distance of the depot. It is home to small shops and a few restaurants. It is also where you will find the Chattooga County Court House. It was built in 1909 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. It is still in use today.
Beside the courthouse is a beautiful mural that highlights Summerville. It portrays the Turntable, Summerville Depot, and The Veterans Memorial wall.
One fun curiosity of Summerville is its well-known Trade Day. People come from all around to seek out deals. Trade Day is a popular market that meets on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Going to “Trade Day” is a true southern tradition. You can find everything at a Trade Day. Fresh seasonal fruits, veggies, handcrafted goods, antiques, and seasonal-themed items. You will be surprised by what you can find at Trade Day.
You may want to check out Paradise Garden for those who love art. It is an art garden that displays the work of Reverend Howard Finster. He was a well-known, self-taught artist. The garden displays his works as a roadside museum. We could not visit the garden on this trip but hope to soon.
Summerville is a unique town. I had been to Summerville many times for football games or passed through it going to Chattanooga, but I had never stopped to explore, but I’m glad we did. For my husband and me, it was a great little day trip. I love discovering new places.
