As you may imagine, Johns Creek is named after the creek that runs through the city. However, the nomenclature of this stream reveals a deeper meaning, and the reasoning behind Johns Creek’s name carries a larger significance.
Johns Creek was initially Cherokee Indian territory, and it wasn’t until the early 19th century that a community of trading posts established the beginnings of the city. Pioneer families and the Cherokee coexisted for some time until the late 1820s, when gold was found in the area. This caught the government’s attention, and the Cherokee were forced out through the trail of tears.
Few Cherokee families remained after this time, but one family that stayed was the Rogers family. Johnson K. Rogers is the son of John Rogers and Sarah Cordery, who was Cherokee. The Rogers Family continued to advocate for Cherokee rights as the population was leaving Georgia. They also built a home in 1803 that endures to this day.
The creek is named after Johnson K. Rogers, which can be seen through old maps as early as the 1830s. The city carries on this name as well which showcases more than just a body of water, but the rich history that built Johns Creek into the place it is today.
Fast Fact: Johns Creek was not the original name when cityhood was proposed. The city’s founders wanted to call the city Riverside, but were not aware of another city in Colquitt County named Riverside. The leaders of that city made the city founders aware of their existence and Johns Creek was proposed as the new name.
As for the city of Riverside? The original city of Riverside surrendered its charter in 2016 due to low population.
Poesy Young
Poesy Young is a contributor to the Georgia Sun. Her passions include education, the arts, and the Georgia community. Previously, she has worked with the Marietta Daily Journal digital department. Poesy currently lives in Johns Creek and has been a Georgia resident for 15 years.
