Until Lake Lanier was constructed and filled in the mid-1950s, land prices in Cumming Georgia were $20 to $40 an acre. They’ve soared ever since. Georgia 400, built in the 1970s, helped seal the area’s conversion from rural to increasingly suburban. The area has retained some of its history, however.
The Cumming Playhouse, located at 101 School St., is situated within the 1923 Cumming Public School, a structure named to the National Register of Historic Places in 2000. A property of the city of Cumming, it also houses the Historical Society of Forsyth County and the Col. Hiram Parks Bell Center for Southern History and Genealogical Research.
The Cumming Fairgrounds, home of the Cumming Country Fair and Festival, hosts the IPRA World Championship Rodeo, the annual Steam and Gas Expo and a weekly farmers market. Yet, tranquil spots remain. A one-of-a-kind passive park, Poole’s Mill, comprises 10 acres of property that includes a covered bridge. Built in 1901, it spans the shoals of Settendown Creek.
Cumming, the county seat of Forsyth County, was established in 1834. The city is said to be named either for Colonel William Cumming of Augusta, a prominent lawyer, or by local Cherokees for Sir Alexander Cumming of England, who settled in America in 1729 and became a Cherokee leader.
There are a number of campgrounds in the city including Bald Ridge Creek Park, Sawnee Park and Shady Grove Park. Also located near Cumming is the historical Mill Covered Bridge, built in 1906, which spans Settendown Creek.
The Lanierland Music Park provides visitors with top name country music entertainment from early summer to late fall.
According to 2000 Census, the City of Cumming had a population of 4,220 persons. Between 1990 and 2000, the city experienced a population increase of 49.2%, compared to the state growth during this period of 26.4%.
Population: 4,220
Total Area: 5.9 Square Miles
Cumming Greek Festival Web Site