Fayetteville, Ga
History and Heritage
Founded in 1821, Fayetteville became the center of commerce, government, and community for this 49th county in the state. The Fayette County Courthouse was built in 1825, and is renowned for being the oldest surviving courthouse in Georgia. Among its more famous points of interest, is the Margaret Mitchell Library, built in 1948 and home to the Fayette County Historical society. Margaret Mitchell´s great grandfather, Philip Fitzgerald, settled in Fayette County in the 1830´s. Her own family´s history in the area, as well as the southern heritage of Fayette County itself was the main inspiration for her book. The Library contains a vast collection of Civil War memorabilia and genealogical records, as well as is an ode to this classic author for her novel Gone With The Wind. Another must see is the Holliday-Dorsey-Fife House, built in 1855 by John Stiles Holliday, the uncle of the notorious western gambler "Doc" Holliday.
Fayette County Historical Society
http://www.historyfayettecoga.org/
(770)716-6020
During the siege of July 29, 1864, General Edward M. McCook of the Union cavalry occupied Fayetteville, looting and destroying private property during his march through the city. Several confederates were taken from their homes and forced to ride with the invaders, stealing valuables and vandalizing homes. The courthouse was taken over by the Union army, but was spared being burnt to the ground by the quick thinking and strategic tactics of Lawyer Tidwell. Chests of money were taken from the courthouse and thrown on the roads, and the mail from the post office was destroyed, but the courthouse survived.
After the war, Fayetteville recuperated and went on to become the small metropolis we know today. In 1888, the Atlanta/Fort Valley railroad finished construction and began operation, bringing more population, activity, and commerce to the city. It was incorporated as a city by the state legislature, and its first mayor was elected in 1889, Captain William P. Redwine. First councilmen included S.D. Dorsey, J.W. Graham, T.F. Garrison, S.A. Burks, and M.E. Hill.
Fayetteville and Fame
Fayetteville has had many famous residents over the years, and has been the site for many movie location scenes. Here are just a few interesting facts and trivia about the area. Come see the stars yourself, and visit our local listings for the perfect place for you to shine. Our Visitor´s page will help you plan your trip today. See you soon!
Filming location for:
1991 movie, "Fried Green Tomatoes", and The Bridge 2006
Well-known residents have included:
Margaret Mitchell, author of "Gone With The Wind"
John Stiles Holliday, uncle of famous western gambler John Henry "Doc" Holliday
Hugh M. Dorsey, Governor of Georgia
Evander Holyfield, heavyweight boxing champion
Paris Bennett, American Idol season six contestant
Sedrick Hodge - 2005 NFL player for the New Orleans Saints
Richard Lott - College basketball player for the Alabama State Hornets
Antwan André Patton, OutKast rapper aka Big Boi
Micah Levar Troy, Pastor Troy rapper
Ferrol Sams, author
Emmanuel Lewis, actor
Matthew Yates, horticulturalist and farmer
Khosrow Vaziri, professional wrestler aka Iron Sheik