Buffington, Georgia

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Buffington traces its origin to an unfortunate chapter in American history. In the summer of 1838, Federal troops moved into northern Georgia and began rounding up the area's remaining Cherokee Indians and imprisoned them in "Cherokee Removal Forts." The largest and most southerly of these containment camps was Fort Buffington, which was located about five miles due east of Canton. Ironically, it is believed that the fort was named in honor of Joshua Buffington -- a mixed blood Cherokee. By autumn, the troops had accomplished their mission and the Cherokee Indians held at the fort were marched westward to join with other groups on the infamous "Trail of Tears." Fort Buffington was either dismantled or fell into ruin (debated) and only a state historical marker (see photo) along Georgia Highway 20 stands to identify its former site. Today, due in part to the aforementioned, heavily traveled state highway, Buffington is quickly transforming from a rural to suburban community.