Alpharetta, Georgia is located in Fulton County, which was created in 1853 from the western half of DeKalb County. However, the area that is now Alpharetta has been a part of several different counties throughout its history.
One of the earliest counties to include the Alpharetta area was Cherokee County, which was created in 1831 from Cherokee Indian lands. At the time, the area was known as Milton County, and it was named for John Milton, a Revolutionary War soldier and Georgia governor. Milton County was created from parts of Cherokee and Cobb Counties, and it included present-day Alpharetta, as well as other nearby communities such as Roswell and Crabapple.
In 1857, Milton County was dissolved and its territory was divided between Forsyth and Fulton Counties. The area that is now Alpharetta became a part of Fulton County, while other parts of Milton County became a part of Forsyth County. The division of Milton County was due in part to the county’s financial struggles, as well as political disagreements between the county’s leaders.
After being incorporated into Fulton County, the area that is now Alpharetta was known as Milton until 1858, when it was renamed Alpharetta. The name Alpharetta was chosen by the town’s founder, J.K. Orr, and it is believed to be a combination of the Greek words “alpha” and “retta,” meaning “first town.”
Over the years, Alpharetta has grown and developed into a thriving community, with a population of over 67,000 people as of 2020. Today, Alpharetta is known for its high-tech industry, as well as its vibrant downtown area and top-rated schools.
In addition to Fulton County, Alpharetta is also located near several other Georgia counties, including Gwinnett, Forsyth, and Cobb. These counties have also played a role in the history of the Alpharetta area, and they continue to be important parts of the region today.
In conclusion, the area that is now Alpharetta, Georgia has been a part of several different counties throughout its history. It was originally a part of Cherokee County, and it became a part of Milton County when that county was created in 1857. When Milton County was dissolved, the area became a part of Fulton County, where it remains today. Other nearby counties, such as Gwinnett, Forsyth, and Cobb, have also played a role in the history and development of the Alpharetta area. Despite its complicated history, Alpharetta has grown into a vibrant and prosperous community that continues to thrive today.
