Cartersville is a rock lover’s paradise, with nearly every rock type in Georgia found within 20 miles! The area’s rich geological history spans over 500 million years, from ancient sedimentary rocks to the 1.1 billion year-old metagranite, one of the oldest rocks in Georgia. Strategically located at the bend of the Great Valley, Cartersville was once a key passage for the builders of Etowah Mounds and later became a vital route for the Western & Atlantic Railroad and today’s highways. Beyond its history, the region is packed with natural resources, including iron, manganese, barite, and ochre. STAY + EXPLORE! Get ready to unleash your creativity and paint with minerals! Make your own paint using colorful ochre and then use it to create a piece of art.