Eatonton, Georgia

Eatonton is a city in Putnam County, Georgia, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 6,480. The city is the county seat of Putnam County. It was named after William Eaton, an officer and diplomat involved in the First Barbary War. The name consists of his surname with the English suffix "ton," meaning "town."

History

The Rock Eagle Effigy Mound, a Native American archaeological site, is located adjacent to Georgia 4-H's Rock Eagle 4-H Center north of the city. Rock Hawk Effigy Mound is located just to the east. They are the only such sites discovered in Georgia east of the Mississippi River, and were made by the Mississippian peoples who inhabited the area 900-1500 A.D.

Eatonton was founded in 1807 as the seat of newly formed Putnam County. Eatonton was incorporated as a town in 1809 and as a city in 1879.

Eatonton is known as the "Dairy Capital of Georgia" (in honor of its major industry, dairy farming).

Geography

Eatonton is located at 33°19′35″N 83°23′16″W / 33.32639°N 83.38778°W / 33.32639; -83.38778 (33.326302, -83.387798).