Page 39 - DeKalb Bicentennial Flipbook

Clarkston High School’s mascot, the Angora goat
(left), pays homage to early residents who grazed
their goats in open pastures. Clarkston City Hall
Annex (right) is the former late 1800s home
of the Morris family, donated to the City
and reimagined for public use.

CITY OF CLARKSTON

FOUNDED 1882
Mayor Beverly H. Burks

The railroad shaped the name of this community that began to see new residents in the 1830s.
It was originally called New Siding in 1845 in honor of Jake New, a section foreman working
for Georgia Railroad. New Siding incorporated as Clarkston in 1882, named in honor of
Colonel W.W. Clark, a director of Georgia Railroad.

ince the railroad eased the strain of commuting gathering space for art and recreation. The annual
into Atlanta for work, Clarkston became a hub Clarkston Culture Fest embraces global influence in the
for people living in what was then one of the walkable and bikeable community.
S first suburbs attached to the big city. The railroad Milam Park and Friendship Forest Wildlife Sanctuary
continues to run through Clarkston, and MARTA has a offer greenspace and recreational opportunities for the
rapid rail stop there as well. community and people of all ages.
Beginning in the era of the 1970s Clarkston was
identified as an ideal location for refugee resettlement
because of its supportive network of affordable apartment “The most
housing and public transportation. Clarkston is a model for
what an integrated community can be and is renowned for diverse square mile
accepting people from around the world. in America”
More than half the population was born outside
the U.S. and 60 languages are spoken in the city’s one CNN March 5, 2022
square mile. Clarkston Community Center is the city’s

Sp i rit o f D eK alb – B i centen n ial 1822-2022 37