The town’s genesis was as a small village named in honor of Chief John Adair, a Scottish settler who married a Cherokee Indian girl. The railroad which lies at the center of town was central to its development. Land which was owned by William Watts was in the direct path of the Western and Atlantic Railroad’s expansion to Chattanooga. Watts’ home was built around the foundation of an Indian cabin, high on a hill overlooking the present-day town of Adairsville. He deeded land to the railroad and then surveyed business lots.