Dalton is a city in northwest Georgia and the seat of Whitfield County, located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains just off Interstate 75. With a 2020 census population of about 34,000 residents, it is the second-largest city in northwest Georgia, after Rome, and the center of a metropolitan area of roughly 125,000 people. The city's identity is inseparable from the floor-covering industry. Dalton earned the nickname "Carpet Capital of the World" because the tufted carpet industry grew from the hand-tufted bedspreads first produced in the area, evolving into a global manufacturing cluster. More than 80 percent of the tufted carpet made in America is produced within a 100-mile radius of the city, and Dalton is home to numerous carpet and flooring manufacturers employing a large share of the local workforce. That industrial base has shaped the city's economy, growth, and character for generations. Dalton's downtown reflects its railroad and industrial heritage. A restored historic train depot serves as a visitors center and gathering spot, while surrounding shops and restaurants host community activity and events such as the Prater's Mill Country Fair. The city's location in the Blue Ridge foothills provides a scenic backdrop and access to outdoor recreation. Education is provided by two public systems: Dalton Public Schools for the city and Whitfield County Schools for surrounding areas. Interstate 75 positions Dalton roughly 80 miles north of Atlanta and about 30 miles south of Chattanooga, Tennessee, giving residents direct highway access to both metro regions. Dalton appeals to families and workers tied to the area's manufacturing economy, as well as those seeking affordability and community in northwest Georgia. Its combination of industrial heritage, a walkable downtown, and convenient interstate access gives the city a practical, grounded identity.