GAINESVILLE – A historic milestone will be reached next year and the City of Gainesville plans to celebrate accordingly.
Nearly two centuries ago, on April 21, 1821, the crossroads trading post known as Mule Camp Springs took a new name: Gainesville, named in honor of War of 1812 hero General Edmund P. Gaines. Seven months later, on November 30, 1821, Gainesville was officially charted by the Georgia General Assembly and designated as the county seat of Hall County.
More than a few things have changed since then but one thing that has remained constant is the pride the people of Gainesville have in their city, and the city leaders are asking that everyone join in the birthday festivities.
At Tuesday’s Gainesville City Council meeting Mayor Danny Dunagan said the city is looking for documents and photographs and other sorts of memorabilia showcasing the city’s history. “City staff would love to see any old photos, video clips, newspaper clippings…or any other pieces of history the public can offer.”
Officials say most of the historic items shared by community members will be displayed online; therefore digital copies can be created by the owner and submitted to the city online, or the item itself can be brought to the city administration building and a copy will be generated by city staff.
Gainesville Public Relations Manager Christina Santee said after the city council meeting that the plans for next year’s celebration are just developing. “We’re still very early in that process, but we have a couple of ideas that we are considering.”
She echoed Dunagan’s invitation for residents to share any historic items connected to Gainesville that they may have. “As a trip down memory lane, we’re really looking forward to that piece…that’s something we plan to do,” Santee said.
Santee says instructions for providing items for the city to include in the bicentennial commemoration are available on the city’s website. “There’s a little bit more detail about what we’re looking for and how to submit (those items),” she added.
