Commerce, city in Jackson County, Georgia, United States
Commerce is a small city in Jackson County, Georgia, about 70 miles (113 km) northeast of Atlanta. The city covers a little over 13 square miles (34 km2) and features quiet streets, simple houses, and a main road connecting it to nearby towns.
European settlers first arrived in 1784, when the area was called Groaning Rock after a stone that made a moaning sound. Late in the 1800s, a railroad line spurred the town's growth, and a cotton mill opened in 1893, bringing jobs and electricity to the area.
Commerce took its name in 1904 to reflect its role as a trading center. The city preserves this spirit today through local shops and a strong sense of community that shows itself in regular gatherings and neighborhood events.
The city sits on Interstate 85 on its north side, making it easy to reach. U.S. Route 441 connects it to nearby towns like Athens and Demorest, making exploration of the area convenient.
Before European settlement, the area was an important trade route used by the Cherokee and Creek peoples called the Lion's Trail, running from Athens to the north Georgia mountains. A section of this old route is now the Lacoda Trail Memorial Parkway.
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