Dalton is a city in Whitfield County, Georgia, United States. It is the county seat of Whitfield County and the principal city of the Dalton, Georgia Metropolitan Statistical Area, which encompasses all of both Murray and Whitfield counties. The population was 27,912 at the 2000 census; the 2006 estimated population was 33,045. Dalton is located just off Interstate 75 in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Northwest Georgia and is the second largest city in Northwest Georgia, after Rome. Dalton is home to many of the nation's floorcovering manufacturers. Because of this, Dalton has a highly diverse population with approximately 40% Hispanic or Spanish-speaking residents. Dalton has many historic houses, landmarks and a rich Civil War history. Dalton is home to the Northwest Georgia Trade and Convention Center which showcases the Georgia Athletic Coaches' Hall of Fame and holds events year round.