13 Forks, Elbert County

The crossroads community of 13 Forks takes its name from the numerous branches and creeks that surround the area. I only counted nine on the map, so I must have missed a few. The community gives its name to 13 Forks Road (or is it the other way around?) and a granite slab and this old store building, dating to circa 1934, let you know you’ve arrived.

When trying to find a history of the area, I learned that it’s best known as the home of the 13 Forks Dragstrip, which was going strong in the 1960s. A 1965 flier I found online notes that the drag strip was open at 1PM every Sunday, and admission was $1.50. As to some of the attractions: Gene Cromer’s Fabulous Moonlighter, a ’40 Willys Coupe that did 6 foot wheel stands; Charlie Roberts, hurrying to finish that fiberglass English Ford; Charles Headen, still running Big Red, but sporting a new Mustang; Bennett-Hobbs, driving a new all glass English Ford Hydro; Ed Skelton, driving a Falcon and a new Mustang; and Dude Moore, really honking now in his pretty yellow ’55 Chevy...

Drag racing fans still return to the community for occasional reunions.

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.