Peachtree Corners, has a rich and colorful history. Centuries ago, Native Americans roamed the land bordered by the Chattahoochee River, later strong and resilient families settled in the area and farmed the fertile land. Now several centuries later, the city has become a magnet for futuristic technology.
The City of Peachtree Corners announced that the history of its storied past has been captured in the community’s first history book. The book titled Peachtree Corners, the History of an Innovative and Remarkable City 1777-2020, is filled with stories of long ago. Numerous historical photographs add to the story of the community’s rich past. The 230-page coffee table-style book is expected to be released soon.
Well-known author Carole Townsend tells the story of the early days when the Creek Indians claimed the land as their own, then takes the reader on a journey of the early settlers through the eyes of long-time residents who recall farm life. That life was hinged on a good crop year which determined if the farmer’s children would have new shoes for the coming school year. The city’s history ends with its modern-day transformation that began in the 1970s when Georgia Tech engineer and developer Paul Duke began purchasing land for Technology Park and the surrounding community.
“What an honor it was for me to be invited to trace Peachtree Corners’ history back to the days of Native American inhabitation, said Townsend. “For a city as progressive as this one is, to honor its history as it has with this unique book, is truly remarkable.”
Townsend, an Atlanta native and 30-year Gwinnett resident, is a longtime journalist and published author with six books to her name. She was awarded the 2017 Georgia Author of the Year Finalist Award.
“This book thoughtfully recounts the past and present of our community through personal narratives of the people who lived here and knew it best,” said Mayor Mike Mason. “It’s their memories and photographs that we set out to capture and preserve. What is the future of Peachtree Corners? That’s a story for another book.”
Peachtree Corners, the History of an Innovative and Remarkable City, was published by Deeds Publishing, in Athens, GA and will be available through the city of Peachtree Corners website.