The City of Canton, the county seat of Cherokee County, was established in 1832. The city was incorporated under the name Etowah in 1833 then changed to Canton December 18, 1834. The founders of Canton attempted to establish silk production but failed; however, the city is named after the city in China.

Former Georgia governor, Joseph Mackey Brown (1909-1913) was born in Canton. During his tenure, he sought economy in government, lower taxes, enforcement of Prohibition, and a reduction of power of the Railroad Commission. Brown also wrote two books entitled Mountains Campaigns in Georgia and Astanax in addition to numerous articles.