Located in Fulton County in northern Georgia, Roswell had a population of 85,920 as of the 2005 census estimate. The city was founded by Roswell King who built a cotton mill in the area in the 1830s. As the cotton mill grew, so did the population of the town. The mill was built on Vickery Creek, known locally as "Big Creek." Other natural features of the area include Bull Sluice Lake, the Chattahoochee River and Morgan Falls Dam.
Roswell Memorial Day Ceremony is the largest Memorial Day observance in all of Georgia. Other festivals include the Roswell Roots: A Festival of Black History and Culture in February, the Roswell Magnolia Storytelling Festival in June, and the Riverside Sounds Concert Series in May. In October, the "Keep Roswell Beautiful Duck Race" occurs. Year-round, the Roswell Parks and Recreation Department provides a sense of community spirit and athleticism, especially for the youth. Many of the local middle and high schools lend their practice fields and coaches to achieve this.
Many of the attractions in Roswell are based either on the geographical beauty or the history of the area. With its prime location on the river, both the Chattahoochee Nature Center and the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area draw tourists to the area and provide recreation spots for the locals. Historical spots such as the Primrose Cottage and the Archibald Smith Plantation home are also open to the public. The Primrose Cottage, the first permanent private home in Roswell, is now used as an events facility. The Archibald Smith Plantation Home has been restored and was added to the National Registry of Historic Places. Open to the public, the Smith Plantation includes the home itself as well as guest quarters, slave quarters, a separate kitchen facility, carriage house, barn and a water well. The Bulloch Hall, a Greek Revival Mansion in which Theodore Roosevelt's mother was born and married, is also open to the public for tours.
