Fayette County, Georgia, is full of historical gems, where past meets present in the most charming ways. This isn't your average stroll down memory lane. This is a celebration of how iconic buildings and sites have been thoughtfully repurposed, given new life, and continue to serve the Fayette County community in delightful and sometimes surprising ways. Let’s explore some of Fayette’s most captivating historic landmarks that have stood the test of time and found new purpose.
Fayette County Courthouse (1825)
Downtown Fayetteville
Welcome to the oldest surviving courthouse in the state of Georgia! Built in 1825, the Fayette County Courthouse has seen more than its share of town gossip, legal battles, and cultural change. A striking clock tower was added in 1888, making it an architectural centerpiece. It’s been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1980. Today, the courthouse stands proudly repurposed as a welcome center and home to local offices - a perfect example of civic pride and preservation.
It’s interesting to note that on Easter Sunday in 1982, arsonists set fire to the courthouse. The historic weathervane fell victim to the flames, along with many of the building’s other architectural details. Restoration efforts, led by the Fayette County Historical Society, commenced almost immediately, and while it took more than 18 hours to recreate, Ronnie Hammond, a sheet metal fabricator, constructed the new weathervane.
Holliday-Dorsey-Fife House (1855)
140 West Lanier Avenue, Fayetteville
This stunning Greek Revival home comes with a celebrity twist. Built by Dr. John Stiles Holliday, the uncle of the legendary “Doc” Holliday, this house now serves as a museum. Visitors get a glimpse into antebellum life and the local Holliday family legacy. But its repurpose as a cultural gem means it now tells a broader story of Fayetteville, southern society, and a certain gunslinging dentist who once called Fayetteville home.
Tandy King House (1824)
Woolsey
Blink and you might miss it, but the Tandy King House is believed to be the oldest house in Fayette County. Built by War of 1812 veteran and judge Tandy King, the plain-style wooden home whispers of early 19th-century rural Georgia life. Adjacent to the house is the King Family Cemetery, which adds historical weight. Though not open to the public regularly, its preservation stands as a quiet monument to early settlers - proof that simple structures can tell profound stories.
Starr’s Mill (circa 1900)
Starr's Mill Park on Whitewater Creek
Movie buffs, rejoice! This picturesque red millhouse made a cameo in the Reese Witherspoon classic, Sweet Home Alabama. But even before Hollywood found it, Starr’s Mill was a star on its own. Built around 1900, it served as a gristmill and power source for the local community. Today, the mill is no longer grinding grain but has found new fame as one of Georgia’s most photographed historic sites. Wedding backdrops, Instagram influencers, and artists have all claimed a piece of its magic.
Margaret Mitchell Library (1948)
Fayetteville
Gone with the Wind fans will appreciate the tribute to author Margaret Mitchell in this quaint 1948 library building. Though Mitchell herself had no direct ties to Fayette County, the library named in her honor now serves as the headquarters for the Fayette County Historical Society. Inside, you’ll find Civil War records, genealogical archives, and enough historical nuggets to make any researcher swoon. Repurposed as both an educational hub and a historical vault, this library is a haven for preserving Southern heritage.
Fayette Depot (1902)
Fayetteville
Choo! Choo! This depot was originally part of the Atlanta and Fort Valley Railroad line, which was later acquired by the Southern Railway Company. The depot played a significant role in the community, serving both freight and passenger needs, and was a central hub for social gatherings, especially during the summer months when residents would meet the evening mail train.
After the decline of railroad service and the removal of tracks in 1939, the building underwent several transformations, including uses as a furniture store, storage facility, propane gas business, and restaurant. In 1985, the City of Fayetteville purchased and relocated the depot to its current location at 250 Lanier Avenue East. Today, the Fayette Depot has been repurposed as an event venue, preserving its historical charm while serving contemporary community needs.
Fayette County’s landmarks aren’t just relics, they’re repurposed icons that continue to inspire, educate, and entertain. Whether it’s a courthouse turned welcome center, a mill turned movie star, or train depots that whistle from the past, each site proves that history doesn’t have to stay frozen in time. It can grow, evolve, and stay relevant just like the county itself. So next time you see an old building, pause. There’s a story to tell, and there might be a second act worth exploring. In Fayette County, that second act is often better than the first.
"There’s a story to tell, and there might be a second act worth exploring."