9 Towns In Georgia That Were Frozen In Time
Georgia is a historic state in the southeastern region of the United States. It was a founding colony and pivotal in the American Revolution, Civil War, and the Civil Rights Movement. The Peach State is brimming with historical towns that embody the authentic historical spirit of the state, with charming downtown areas, historical structures, and monuments.
The definitive historic areas have 18th and 19th-century commercial and residential buildings interspersed with modern amenities like restaurants and wine-tasting rooms. The structures have been carefully preserved to carry the tradition for generations, and walking tours make visitors feel like they stepped back in time. While metropolises' like Atlanta garner much attention, these nine towns frozen in time are among the most unique to visit in Georgia.
Dahlonega
Dahlonega has a storied history, including gold mining, the US Mint, and the founding of a state university. The name "Dahlonega" is Cherokee for yellow precious metal, an appropriate name for the town. The Gold Rush began in 1828 when Benjamin Parks discovered gold in the woods.
The rush was prolific enough for the US government to open a mint in 1835 and closed in 1861 after Confederate soldiers seized the mine. In 1873 the University of North Georgia was founded in the old mint in 1873. The mint now has a golden steeple on its roof, a landmark feature in town. This history and more can be explored at the Dahlonega Visitor's Center.
Milledgeville
Named for a revolutionary hero, Milledgeville was Gerogia's first capital between 1807 and 1868. The town was designed after Washington, D.C., and Savannah, Georgia, with town squares and wide roads. Its Old Capitol Building was the first in the United States to be designed in the Gothic Revival style.
By 1815, the town had become prosperous because of the cotton boom and attracted famed architects John Marlor and Daniel Pratt. They brought their vision to Milledgeville, and their porticos, cantilevered balconies, and other architectural wonders can still be seen. The Old Governor's Mansion is available to tour and embodies the antebellum spirit of Georgia.
Thomasville
Thomasville is an authentic antebellum town and a shopper's paradise. The quaint downtown district is lined with cobblestone roads, boutique storefronts, and southern elegance. There are elegant neighborhoods matching the charming downtown and include architectural marvels like the Lapham-Patterson House, a National Historic Landmark.
The 6,000-square-foot Victorian was built between 1884 and 1885 and is a historical treasure in Thomasville. Brick-lined downtown is noteworthy for its centuries-old oak trees, including the landmark Big Oak. The enormous oak tree started as an acorn in 1685 and is the most treasured landmark in this remarkable town. The award-winning downtown is a foodie destination, including eateries like Chop House on the Bricks and Henderson's.
Madison
To understand Madison's rich history, it is essential to understand its vintage homes and architectural styles that tell the town's history. The Rogers House is one of the oldest in town. It was built in 1809 and, more than 200 years later, still sits on its downtown lot. Heritage Hall on Main Street showcases the grandeur prominent citizens enjoyed before the Civil War.
Madison's Historic District is home to the Morgan County African American Museum. The museum operates in the house of John Wesley Moore, an African American born in the latter years of slavery. The Walking Tour through the Historic District starts at the 1887 Welcome Center and guides visitors past 26 historic sites on the National Register of Historic Places.
St. Marys
In southeast Georgia, St. Marys became famous as a smuggling hub along with its neighbor, Amelia Island, in Florida. Along with its historic prominence, St. Marys is known as a relaxing retreat and gateway to Cumberland Island along the Georgia coast. This elegant coastal town is brimming with natural beauty and historic sites, many of which can be experienced on the St. Marys History Walk.
The St. Marys History Walk follows a trail of signs of the history of St. Marys & Cumberland Island. The chronological history starts with the Timucua Indians in the 16th century and explores the shipbuilding history of the 18th and 19th centuries. During this pivotal age, the British ransacked the town in 1815, and the town was looted again during the Civil War. The historical significance is ingrained in almost every aspect in the city and provides a deft way to look at the past.
Rome
Rome is reputable for its natural scenery and rivers, popular among kayakers, boaters, and anglers. The town also has many historical structures, such as Berry College, that give a glimpse into the past. The historic college opened in 1902 and boasts the biggest college campus in the world. The light-colored brick buildings are surrounded by natural scenes, walking bridges, and one of the largest wooden water wheels in the world.
While visiting the campus, stop at the Greek Revival, Oak Hill, and the Martha Berry Museum, the founder's former home. Historic downtown is a capstone for any visit and includes more than 50 historical markers. You can also pay respectful tributes at the Myrtle Hill Cemetary, established in 1857 and now has over 20,000 plots.
Lawrenceville
Lawrenceville has a storied history in the South. It had the first cotton factory, the Lawrenceville Manufacturing Company, which burned during the Civil War, but another building took its place. It was also home to a much-needed railroad at the turn of the 20th century after boll weevils decimated local crops, which impacted families and the manufacturing economy.
Landmarks include the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse on Crogan Street. The brick structure was completed in 1885 and has a four-story clock tower, two acres of manicured lawn, and a gazebo, ideal for weddings. The Federal-style Gwinnett History Museum is an excellent source of local historical information that was initially built as a finishing school for young women in the 1830s.
Eatonton
Historic Eatonton has many historic buildings to explore on its Historic Walking Tour. The tour leads visitors through commercial and residential areas with Greek Revival, Queen Anne, and Italianate designs. The designs were prominent in different historical periods and is a tangible way to connect with the community's history.
The Bledsoe-Green House was purchased by the Eatontun-Putnam Historical Society in 1975. though it was moved to a new location, the Federal Style home retains its original beaded siding, floors, and fireplace mantel. Another elegant example is the Adams-River-Young House, built in 1848 and occupied for over 150 years by the same family.
Brunswick
Located on the Golden Isles, Brunswick is a veritable time capsule. The Old Town National Historic Register has many markers that delineate its history. Notable commercial buildings include Old City Hall (1889) and the Ritz Theatre, constructed in 1898 as the Grand Old Opera House. Business boomed after the Civil War, and many prominent residences were featured in the ornate design of the time.
James Oglethorpe was the architect behind the city in 1771, and he included well-known features from Savannah to give Brunswick a timeless aesthetic. The most notable features of this design are the Signature Squares of Brunswick. The 14 Colonial squares are still used today; some are parking lots, and some are walking areas that still echo the footprints of the past for over 300 years.
Georgia, the youngest state in the original 13 colonies, has many historic towns that embody the best Southern hospitality and history. The cobblestone streets of downtown Thomasville are a shopper's dream, while cities like Lawrenceville are full of vintage architecture that whisks you away to a different time and place.
These elegant towns are perfect for a self-guided walking tour, especially if you appreciate classic architectural lines. Many historical markers tell the story of these towns and the state. These nine towns are pleasantly frozen in time and among the best towns to visit in the Peach State.
