Route Information, History, Photo and Termini Gallery

The old alignment of U.S. 441 through Cornelia, Demorest and Clarkesville is today known as U.S. 441 Business, Historic Route. Most of that route is covered by state overlap GA 385. The "historic" designation mostly refers to the city of Clarkesville with its quaint houses and downtown, which are popular with tourists enjoying the scenery of the Applachian foothills, and to the general designation of U.S. 441 as a historic route. GA 385 extends 12 miles, and is located entirely in Habersham County. Along with U.S. 441 Business, GA 385 also overlaps with GA 105, 197 and 17 Alt along various portions of the route.

History

GA 385 was distinctly established by legislative action in 1989 along with an extension of U.S. 441 Business as a historic route. Previously (1981-1989), GA 365 terminated where GA 385 ends today. When GA 365 was extended up to GA 197 in 1989, GA 385 took over the old route, ending at GA 197 south of Clarkesville. During that time, U.S. 23, 441 and GA 15 were temporarily located along GA 197 back to the old route through Clarkesville.

In 1991, work was completed on the four lane highway east of Clarkesville. At that point, U.S. 23, 441 and GA 15 were completely relocated to the new route. As a result, GA 385 was extended up through Clarkesville to the Hollywood community, taking over part of GA 17. This is the route of today. No changes have occured since that time.

While U.S. 441 Business along GA 385 is defined as a historic route, U.S. 441 was not actually established on the route until the early 1950's. Previously, the route had been U.S. 23 and originally just GA 15. Regardless, this was one of the original 1920 state routes as GA 15.

Georgia 385 Photo Gallery

Here are various photos taken along the route by J.T. Legg. More photos will be published of the route in time.
Here is the only mention of the overlap of GA 17 Alt and GA 385. GA 17 Alt, though shown on some maps, seems to disappear along this stretch. Perhaps this is further justification to complete the GA 819 project to relocate GA 17 Alt along Antioch Church Road. Photo taken August 7, 2004.
GA 385 becomes a quadruplex from GA 197 into downtown Clarkesville. Historically, this was an overlap of U.S. 23, U.S. 441, GA 15, GA 17 and GA 197 for an impressive cluster. Note that the U.S. 441 sign only shows "Historic Route" and no mention of "Business". The brown shields are very unique, too. Photo taken August 14, 2004.
The major convergence of all the routes originally is still quite a cluster today. This intersection in downtown Clarkesville joins the routes of U.S. 441 Business, GA 17, 17 Alt, 115, 197 and 385 all together. Both GA 17 Alt and GA 115 end at this intersection. Photo taken August 14, 2004.
Georgia 385 Termini Gallery

All photos here were taken by Chris Patriarca on July 28, 2003

Southern Terminus: U.S. 23/441/GA 15/365 in Cornelia
The first photo features contractor installed overhead signage at the end of the ramp from northbound GA 365. Photo two is of the junction assembly preceding it, which may now be replaced. The last photo is the now-replaced large guide sign as the first indication of GA 385. Photo 1 taken May 3, 2005. Photos 2-3 taken August 7, 2004.
Northern Terminus: Intersection of U.S. 23/441/GA 15 and GA 17 Alternate in the Hollywood community east of Clarkesville
The first photo is a rather odd looking end assembly, featuring the brown signs yet again. GA 17 Alt continues south from the intersection. The second photo is the directional assembly on southbound U.S. 23/441. Note that GA 17 Alt is not marked from this spot. The third photo is a very unique directional assembly just past the intesection where U.S. 441 Business/GA 385 turns west onto the old route. Road names used as route markers is used in Georgia, but extremely rarely. The last photo is the first actual reassurance shield, posted southbound looking from "Historic Old 441". All photos taken August 7, 2004.
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