Nestled between Interstate 985 and Lake Lanier, Oakwood had its beginnings in 1873 with the completion of a railroad track between Charlotte and Atlanta. Originally called Odell’s Crossing the name was later changed to Oakwood because it was the regular stop for wood burning locomotives to pick up their fuel, oak wood. It became a thriving small railroad stop with a depot and passengers and goods being loaded and unloaded. This attracted industries, among those early industries were a brick making facility and a bottle making plant.
When the settlement was incorporated in 1903, its population stood at about 250; by 1980, the population was 750, and today Oakwood has a population estimated at about 4063.
In the earlier parts of this century, Oakwood was home to one of the finest institutes of higher learning in North Georgia, the Oakwood Academy. People came from all over North Georgia to attend the School. The town grew in response and boarding houses, stores, and a hotel were established to meet the demands. Today that fine tradition of education is carried forward with Lanier Technical College and Gainesville State College which attract students from all over North Georgia.
With the building of Highway 365 (the predecessor to I-985), the construction of Lake Lanier, and the establishment of the College, the town began to grow rapidly in the 70’s and 80’s and 90’s. City officials responded by directing the growth toward industrial expansion as well as commercial expansion.
With that challenge in mind, Oakwood mayor and five council members, all elected at large, took a step in 1998 destined to shape the city’s future. The city purchased 250 acres for the city’s first industrial park, Oakwood South Industrial Park. Now over 70% developed Oakwood South, through partnership with Pattillo Construction, offers several remaining sites and has been expanded to include an additional 70+/- acres with railroad frontage.
In cooperation with the Georgia Dept of Transportation, the city has recently acquired right-of-way for the construction of a 4 lane commercial parkway parallel to the I-985 corridor. This corridor, along with the upgrade of Exit 16/17 and the future Exit 14, will provide the City with the road network necessary for sustained quality growth for the community.
As the city has grown, so has the demand for city services. With 25 city employees, Oakwood city government provides police protection, street maintenance, weekly garbage and recycling pick-up, a community park, as well as services for building permits, business licenses and zoning.
The city’s annual operating budget has grown from $1.5 million in 1999 to nearly $3 million today, but not through higher taxes. After coming down steadily for several years, the millage rate remains at 2.48 , an average of $70 to 110 annually per home.