Newnan, Georgia

RICH HISTORY

From Creek Territory to City of Homes

In the early 1800s, the western part of Georgia was inhabited by the Creek tribe, led by General William McIntosh. The area, characterized by numerous small creeks, was eventually ceded to the State of Georgia during the 1820s, leading to the formation of five new counties, including Coweta. Newnan, named after General Daniel Newnan, a distinguished soldier and statesman, was incorporated in 1828 as the county seat, replacing Bullsboro.

Upon its establishment, Newnan quickly developed into a thriving town, attracting lawyers, doctors, and merchants. The city's layout featured a grid pattern with a central nine-block business district, anchored by the courthouse. Streets were named in honor of prominent American figures, reflecting the town's burgeoning identity and civic pride.

The late 19th and early 20th centuries marked a period of significant prosperity for Newnan, largely fueled by the success of the cotton industry. Strategic investments in the railroad during the mid-1800s further bolstered the town's economic growth, establishing Newnan as one of the wealthiest towns per capita in the United States. The R.D. Cole Manufacturing Company, a sawmill established in 1854, played a crucial role in the city's development, undertaking major construction projects and building a majority of Newnan's homes from the 1880s onward.

Newnan's resilience was tested during the Civil War, notably with the Battle of Brown's Mill in July 1864, which occurred just three miles south of the town. Despite its proximity to conflict, Newnan was largely spared from widespread destruction. Historic homes, including General Wheeler's headquarters, still stand today, contributing to its nickname, the 'City of Homes.' This moniker also reflects the city's high rate of homeownership during its prosperous era.