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The Southeast DeKalb Driving Tour is a web-based tour that explores the layered history of communities across Southeast DeKalb County, including Lithonia, Redan, Rock Chapel, and Scottdale. Spanning the 19th and 20th centuries, the tour traces the region’s transformation from early railroads and agricultural communities into centers of industry, commerce, and civic life. From quarrying in Lithonia to textile production in Scottdale and mill activity along the South River, the tour follows the evolution from its beginning to the present day.

The DeKalb History Center has been collecting oral histories, archival material, and objects of Southeast DeKalb since our organization's founding in 1947. Over that time, DeKalb has changed significantly, from industries to demographics. This tour reflects those shifts by sharing stories of the residents past and present. While the tour stops are geographically far apart, they are connected through shared themes that tell a broader history of DeKalb County. Equally important, the tour highlights the experiences of Black communities in Southeast DeKalb, documenting their resilience and contributions in the face of inequalities. From Reconstruction-era churches to community-built institutions like Bruce Street School, the tour addresses both the hardships and the achievements that shaped the region.

The tour uses archival material from the DeKalb History Center archives and is funded through a grant from Georgia Humanities. Additional partners and contributors to this project are the DeKalb Library System and the Arabia Mountain Heritage Area Alliance.

The tour was created by Marissa Howard, Programs and Membership Coordinator, DeKalb History Center

Learn more about the DeKalb History Center

Support the DeKalb History Center

","flat_pages",[],"id",42,"is_geo",true,"link_address","http://www.dekalbhistory.org","link_text","Learn More About the DeKalb History Center ","map_icon","map_overlay","map_type","hybrid","media",[1154],"meta_description","Take a virtual tour of Southeast DeKalb County! ","mode",{"_34":188,"_75":1153},"modes",[1151],"open_geographies_endpoint","published","published_on","2026-09-10","read_duration","21 minutes reading","restrict_bounds","restrict_bounds_to_overlay","sanitized_description","The Southeast DeKalb Driving Tour is a web-based tour that explores the layered history of communities across Southeast DeKalb County, including Lithonia, Redan, Rock Chapel, and Scottdale. Spanning the 19th and 20th centuries, the tour traces the region’s transformation from early railroads and agricultural communities into centers of industry, commerce, and civic life. From quarrying in Lithonia to textile production in Scottdale and mill activity along the South River, the tour follows the evolution from its beginning to the present day.\nThe DeKalb History Center has been collecting oral histories, archival material, and objects of Southeast DeKalb since our organization's founding in 1947. Over that time, DeKalb has changed significantly, from industries to demographics. This tour reflects those shifts by sharing stories of the residents past and present. While the tour stops are geographically far apart, they are connected through shared themes that tell a broader history of DeKalb County. Equally important, the tour highlights the experiences of Black communities in Southeast DeKalb, documenting their resilience and contributions in the face of inequalities. From Reconstruction-era churches to community-built institutions like Bruce Street School, the tour addresses both the hardships and the achievements that shaped the region.\nThe tour uses archival material from the DeKalb History Center archives and is funded through a grant from Georgia Humanities. Additional partners and contributors to this project are the DeKalb Library System and the Arabia Mountain Heritage Area Alliance. The tour was created by Marissa Howard, Programs and Membership Coordinator, DeKalb History CenterLearn more about the DeKalb History Center Support the DeKalb History Center ","splash",{"_75":1149,"_149":-5,"_150":1150},"slug","slugs",[1148,16],"stop_count",15,"stops",[87,88,89,90,91,92,93,94,95,96,97,98,99,100,101],"tenant_title","Georgia Humanities","title","Southeast DeKalb Driving Tour ","travel_duration","About 3 hours 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Stop - 1778008186923","stop","video_embed","video_poster",[],553,"flat-rock-community","Flat Rock Community ",{"_34":116,"_66":125,"_75":127},12,{"_34":213,"_66":214,"_75":215},561,"Stonecrest, GA 30038, USA","

The community of Flat Rock stretches along the South River. Flat Rock originally spanned from Panola Shoals to here, the historic Lyon homestead, one of the oldest in DeKalb County. Built in 1821 by Joseph Emmanuel Lyon, this home remained in the Lyon family until 2007.

During the Civil War, the Lyon family enslaved 17 individuals. One of those people was Herbert “Hill” Lyons (note the similar name). Hill Lyons went on to become a founding member of the Flat Rock Methodist Church. He is buried in the Flat Rock Cemetery, located on the Lyon property. You passed the entrance to the cemetery on the way here on Lyons Road.

Today, this homestead serves as a reminder of DeKalb’s agricultural past, and is the site where many of Flat Rock’s founders were once enslaved. Flat Rock was established and strengthened by people who wanted to ensure the safety and success of their relatives and neighbors following the aftermath of the Civil War.

After emancipation, many local families remained here and continued to farm the land. According to a “Flat Rock United Methodist Church” oral history, the Flat Rock community expanded rapidly during the 1870s and 1880s bringing in the Shumake, Bryant, Hellums, Christians, and Syphos families from Morgan County and the Waits and Wise families from Butts County in 1887. Many of these early families are buried in the Flat Rock Cemetery.

One notable figure, Theodore A. Bryant, Sr., began purchasing nearby land and distributing it to families in the area. In 1925, he purchased 43 acres from Edgar Evans (of Evans Mill) and over the next 40 years he subdivided property to sell or transfer to other members of the community. In 1946 he purchased his property, where he had been sharecropping since 1916. Today this property is home to the Flat Rock Archives, a museum dedicated to the preservation of the story of Flat Rock.

The Lyon Farm has been preserved by Arabia Mountain Area Alliance. You can walk around the property, and learn more by reading the interpretive panels

",33.6454795,-84.16738869999999,[153,154,155],"The community of Flat Rock stretches along the South River. Flat Rock originally spanned from Panola Shoals to here, the historic Lyon homestead, one of the oldest in DeKalb County. Built in 1821 by Joseph Emmanuel Lyon, this home remained in the Lyon family until 2007. During the Civil War, the Lyon family enslaved 17 individuals. One of those people was Herbert “Hill” Lyons (note the similar name). Hill Lyons went on to become a founding member of the Flat Rock Methodist Church. He is buried in the Flat Rock Cemetery, located on the Lyon property. You passed the entrance to the cemetery on the way here on Lyons Road. Today, this homestead serves as a reminder of DeKalb’s agricultural past, and is the site where many of Flat Rock’s founders were once enslaved. Flat Rock was established and strengthened by people who wanted to ensure the safety and success of their relatives and neighbors following the aftermath of the Civil War. After emancipation, many local families remained here and continued to farm the land. According to a “Flat Rock United Methodist Church” oral history, the Flat Rock community expanded rapidly during the 1870s and 1880s bringing in the Shumake, Bryant, Hellums, Christians, and Syphos families from Morgan County and the Waits and Wise families from Butts County in 1887. Many of these early families are buried in the Flat Rock Cemetery. One notable figure, Theodore A. Bryant, Sr., began purchasing nearby land and distributing it to families in the area. In 1925, he purchased 43 acres from Edgar Evans (of Evans Mill) and over the next 40 years he subdivided property to sell or transfer to other members of the community. In 1946 he purchased his property, where he had been sharecropping since 1916. Today this property is home to the Flat Rock Archives, a museum dedicated to the preservation of the story of Flat Rock. The Lyon Farm has been preserved by Arabia Mountain Area Alliance. You can walk around the property, and learn more by reading the interpretive panels",[152,133],{"_75":148,"_149":-5,"_150":151},[],"Lyon's Farm","caption","url","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fvhis21x829l2x29qulsgg5y03eve?variant=desktop","new-stop-1780519647353",{"_107":201,"_103":24,"_149":-5,"_159":202,"_160":-5,"_162":-5,"_164":203,"_166":204,"_34":205,"_169":206,"_170":207,"_171":-5,"_172":-5,"_174":208,"_75":148,"_176":-5},{"_107":187,"_103":188,"_149":189,"_159":-5,"_160":190,"_162":191,"_164":192,"_166":193,"_34":194,"_169":-5,"_170":-5,"_171":-5,"_172":173,"_174":-5,"_75":195,"_176":191},{"_107":156,"_103":157,"_149":158,"_159":-5,"_160":161,"_162":163,"_164":165,"_166":167,"_34":168,"_169":-5,"_170":-5,"_171":-5,"_172":173,"_174":-5,"_75":175,"_176":163},1645,3,"Memories of the Flat Rock Community with T.A Bryant. \nDiscusses growing up in Flat Rock and Grandfather, Spencer Bryant. \n\nFilmed by Eddy Anderson, ca. 2010.","desktop_width","embed","//www.youtube.com/embed/-HpxaIIXn9U","embed_id","-HpxaIIXn9U","filename","-HpxaIIXn9U.jpg","files",{"_177":178,"_179":180,"_181":182,"_183":184,"_185":186},1977,"lqip_width","mobile_width","original_image","provider","youtube","tablet_width","Memories of the Flat Rock Community with T A Bryant.","video","original","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2F8mfum6bhcklge0woi1ctjabodh2w","mobile","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2F8mfum6bhcklge0woi1ctjabodh2w?variant=mobile","tablet","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2F8mfum6bhcklge0woi1ctjabodh2w?variant=tablet","desktop","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2F8mfum6bhcklge0woi1ctjabodh2w?variant=desktop","lqip","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2F8mfum6bhcklge0woi1ctjabodh2w?variant=lqip",1646,2,"George Lyon discusses farming, Lyon's Farm, and Sorghum syrup. \nFilmed around 2007 by Eddy Anderson.","//www.youtube.com/embed/62JfOp8foTg","62JfOp8foTg","62JfOp8foTg.jpg",{"_177":196,"_179":197,"_181":198,"_183":199,"_185":200},1978,"Interview with George Lyon, of Lyon Farm.","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fgz6bmojaspchd5sg7iulg5jvttoq","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fgz6bmojaspchd5sg7iulg5jvttoq?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fgz6bmojaspchd5sg7iulg5jvttoq?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fgz6bmojaspchd5sg7iulg5jvttoq?variant=desktop","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fgz6bmojaspchd5sg7iulg5jvttoq?variant=lqip",1643,750,"PXL_20260421_162600275.jpg",{"_177":209,"_179":210,"_181":211,"_183":151,"_185":212},1975,50,300,400,"https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fvhis21x829l2x29qulsgg5y03eve","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fvhis21x829l2x29qulsgg5y03eve?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fvhis21x829l2x29qulsgg5y03eve?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fvhis21x829l2x29qulsgg5y03eve?variant=lqip",551,"arabia-mountain-and-the-arabia-mountain-heritage-area-alliance","Arabia Mountain and the Arabia Mountain Heritage Area Alliance",{"_34":132,"_66":133,"_75":134},{"_34":269,"_66":111,"_75":270},559,"Panola Shoals Trailhead South River Trail, South River Trail, Stonecrest, GA 30038, USA","

You may have already noticed that in this part of DeKalb County, rocky outcrops – large and small – cover the landscape, exposed after eons of erosion. When these outcrops are especially large they are called monadnocks and resemble mountains. This is the case for Arabia and Panola Mountains, and also the most well-known one, Stone Mountain. Four hundred million years ago, liquid magma pooled like a giant bubble underneath the Earth's surface. When this magma cooled, granite was often formed. Arabia Mountain is geologically unique from its sister monadnocks. There, pressure from the earth, applied to the cooling magma, created gneiss (pronounced nice) and migmatite. Similar to, and often confused with, granite, gneiss and migmatite look different; they have distinct layers of quartz and feldspar that create alternating light and dark bands of those minerals. Arabia’s pattern and color variation is commonly called Tidal Grey.

We should note that gneiss and migmatite are often called granite. Even more confusingly, all three of these rocks mentioned can be found in the same quarry. If you would like to learn more, there are many resources that can offer greater detail on geological history.

We recommend here: https://www.scottranger.com/geology-of-arabia-mountain.html

The Davidson family owned Arabia Mountain, which – along with the other quarries in the Lithonia area – was quarried beginning in the late 1800s. You can still see the scars of quarrying operations on Arabia Mountain in sharp ledges, large square boulders, and ruins of buildings. In 1972, the Davidson Family donated 498 acres to DeKalb County, establishing the Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve. Through the efforts of Kelly Jordan and Becky Kelley, the mountain and the Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve were designated as nationally significant in recognition of the area’s cultural, historical, and natural features. Today, the Arabia Mountain Heritage Area Alliance works to promote and preserve these features within the National Heritage Area.

You can learn more by visiting their website:

https://arabiaalliance.org/

",[230,231,232,233],"You may have already noticed that in this part of DeKalb County, rocky outcrops – large and small – cover the landscape, exposed after eons of erosion. When these outcrops are especially large they are called monadnocks and resemble mountains. This is the case for Arabia and Panola Mountains, and also the most well-known one, Stone Mountain. Four hundred million years ago, liquid magma pooled like a giant bubble underneath the Earth's surface. When this magma cooled, granite was often formed. Arabia Mountain is geologically unique from its sister monadnocks. There, pressure from the earth, applied to the cooling magma, created gneiss (pronounced nice) and migmatite. Similar to, and often confused with, granite, gneiss and migmatite look different; they have distinct layers of quartz and feldspar that create alternating light and dark bands of those minerals. Arabia’s pattern and color variation is commonly called Tidal Grey. We should note that gneiss and migmatite are often called granite. Even more confusingly, all three of these rocks mentioned can be found in the same quarry. If you would like to learn more, there are many resources that can offer greater detail on geological history. We recommend here: https://www. scottranger. com/geology-of-arabia-mountain. html The Davidson family owned Arabia Mountain, which – along with the other quarries in the Lithonia area – was quarried beginning in the late 1800s. You can still see the scars of quarrying operations on Arabia Mountain in sharp ledges, large square boulders, and ruins of buildings. In 1972, the Davidson Family donated 498 acres to DeKalb County, establishing the Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve. Through the efforts of Kelly Jordan and Becky Kelley, the mountain and the Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve were designated as nationally significant in recognition of the area’s cultural, historical, and natural features. Today, the Arabia Mountain Heritage Area Alliance works to promote and preserve these features within the National Heritage Area. You can learn more by visiting their website: https://arabiaalliance. org/",[228,229,214],{"_75":226,"_149":-5,"_150":227},[],"arabia mountain 1.jpg","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fhva1oon03t0i3vdsym0odean2250?variant=desktop","new-stop-1777661206334","arabia-mountain-and-the",{"_107":261,"_103":262,"_149":-5,"_159":-5,"_160":-5,"_162":-5,"_164":226,"_166":263,"_34":264,"_169":-5,"_170":-5,"_171":-5,"_172":-5,"_174":-5,"_75":226,"_176":-5},{"_107":252,"_103":24,"_149":-5,"_159":-5,"_160":-5,"_162":-5,"_164":253,"_166":254,"_34":255,"_169":-5,"_170":-5,"_171":-5,"_172":-5,"_174":-5,"_75":253,"_176":-5},{"_107":243,"_103":188,"_149":-5,"_159":-5,"_160":-5,"_162":-5,"_164":244,"_166":245,"_34":246,"_169":-5,"_170":-5,"_171":-5,"_172":-5,"_174":-5,"_75":244,"_176":-5},{"_107":234,"_103":157,"_149":-5,"_159":-5,"_160":-5,"_162":-5,"_164":235,"_166":236,"_34":237,"_169":-5,"_170":-5,"_171":-5,"_172":-5,"_174":-5,"_75":235,"_176":-5},1640,"gneiss.jpg",{"_177":238,"_179":239,"_181":240,"_183":241,"_185":242},1972,"https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fk1mtrjl1zlcig8je05v5pr73jk8t","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fk1mtrjl1zlcig8je05v5pr73jk8t?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fk1mtrjl1zlcig8je05v5pr73jk8t?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fk1mtrjl1zlcig8je05v5pr73jk8t?variant=desktop","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fk1mtrjl1zlcig8je05v5pr73jk8t?variant=lqip",1639,"img_arabia_rock_formation.jpg",{"_177":247,"_179":248,"_181":249,"_183":250,"_185":251},1971,"https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fvfx24vc53zw788s4vh030bzid34j","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fvfx24vc53zw788s4vh030bzid34j?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fvfx24vc53zw788s4vh030bzid34j?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fvfx24vc53zw788s4vh030bzid34j?variant=desktop","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fvfx24vc53zw788s4vh030bzid34j?variant=lqip",1638,"arabia 3.jpg",{"_177":256,"_179":257,"_181":258,"_183":259,"_185":260},1970,"https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fnf7ggt9xjaoyc35bua675r91qfsc","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fnf7ggt9xjaoyc35bua675r91qfsc?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fnf7ggt9xjaoyc35bua675r91qfsc?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fnf7ggt9xjaoyc35bua675r91qfsc?variant=desktop","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fnf7ggt9xjaoyc35bua675r91qfsc?variant=lqip",1637,0,{"_177":265,"_179":266,"_181":267,"_183":227,"_185":268},1969,"https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fhva1oon03t0i3vdsym0odean2250","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fhva1oon03t0i3vdsym0odean2250?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fhva1oon03t0i3vdsym0odean2250?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fhva1oon03t0i3vdsym0odean2250?variant=lqip",546,".",{"_34":213,"_66":214,"_75":215},11,{"_34":279,"_66":280,"_75":281},554,[],[278,111],[],"new-stop-1775910352667",535,"panola-shoals-on-the-south-river","Panola Shoals on the South River ",{"_34":269,"_66":111,"_75":270},{"_34":306,"_66":307,"_75":308},543,"

The South River is a defining feature of South DeKalb’s landscape. With its headwaters near East Point, the South River flows into Jackson Lake where it combines with other tributaries to become the Ocomulgee River. Long before white settlers arrived, the Muscogee (Creek) lived along its banks and called it the Weelaunee. Beginning in 1821, they were forcibly removed from this land. That was also the year white settlers gained access to what would become DeKalb County through Georgia’s land lottery system. Over the next 200 years, this area would be known by many names, including Flat Shoals, Flat Rock, and finally, Panola Shoals.

The Latimers were among the early settlers here, but not as land lottery winners. With proximity to the Decatur-McDonough Road (Snapfinger Road/Hwy 155), Latimer’s Store was established in 1829 and served as a general store and post office. William Marshall Latimer was the first postmaster, Charles Latimer, his brother, was the second.

In 1832, the Georgia Legislature chartered DeKalb Manufacturing Company at Flat Shoals on the South River. The company would process cotton into cloth using the waterpower of the South River. It is unclear whether a factory was immediately built or operated, but by 1850 there is evidence, from the census, of milling activity in the area. In 1862, Charles Latimer sought to hire a wool carder through newspaper advertising. The factory remained operational during the Civil War and produced large quantities of textiles for the Confederacy. Ownership of the mill changed in 1864, when it was bought by Robert M. Clarke.

Skirmishes occurred in this area during the Atlanta Campaign in 1864. One in particular happened October 11-13, when federal troops crossed the South River at Flat Rock and resupplied their wagon train, loading 500 wagons with corn and oats. Interestingly, nothing was mentioned in our sources about the mill, or destruction in this area by the federal army.

By 1870, the mill was valued at $10,000; it was one of the most valuable mills in DeKalb. In 1871, investors from Patterson, New Jersey, partnered with Clarke to expand operations in the mill, renaming it Oglethorpe Manufacturing. Clarke made a good profit on this new venture and received 183 shares of the company. A few years later, Clarke purchased the majority of the stock and built an additional cotton mill on the north bank of the river. Clarke’s new mill included a gin and 3,000 spindles to process raw cotton into fabric. Both the new mill, and the village around the factories, were called Panola, which comes from Choctaw, a Native American word meaning “cotton” or “thread.” It expanded in the 1870s, reaching a population of 200 residents.

A railroad, operated by Clarke, was established to bring freight and passengers to and from Panola. After Clark died in 1891, both mills were sold to the Morris Southern Yarn Company. The mills only operated for a year when fire and flood destroyed both in 1893. The Panic of 1893 was the final blow for cotton production at Panola. Milton A. Candler, Sr., purchased the property but made no changes before it was sold to the Flake family prior to 1904.

There is a side note regarding Candler’s purchase of the property. His son, Milton Candler, Jr., was married to Nellie Scott, the daughter of George W. Scott (Agnes Scott College, Scottdale Mill). Candler worked at his father-in-law’s investment company and showed promise in manufacturing. Tragically, Milton Candler, Jr., died in 1893, only one month after the Morris Southern Yarn Mill burned, leaving behind Nellie and two young children.

The next known owner of the mill site and surrounding 1000 acres was Thomas J. Flake, who was already operating a grist, corn, and saw mill up river. Thomas J. Flake’s sons, Walter and Augustus, transformed the site into a power plant, called Panola Light and Power Company. It brought electricity to Lithonia and Conyers from 1905 to 1925, when it was finally sold to the Georgia Railway and Power Company. Today, nothing remains of the mill, nor the power plant at Panola Shoals.

From where you are at Panola Shoals, the wooded area across Panola Road was the home of Charles Latimer and childhood home of Rebecca Latimer Felton (1835-1930).

Felton’s life, career, and legacy are complicated. Felton was the first woman to serve in the United States Senate. She was appointed to fill a vacancy and took the oath on November 21, 1922. Her appointment was largely symbolic, as she was 87 and served only 24 hours. She advocated for women’s suffrage and strongly supported gender equality. At the same time, she was an outspoken white supremacist and advocate of segregation. She was the last member of Congress who enslaved people, and here at Panola Plantation, her family enslaved six people in 1860.

The home was described as a large two-story white frame structure with a central hallway, large rooms, and high-ceilings. Granite, taken from the outcrops that surround the property, formed the foundation. The property was part of Clarke’s 1864 purchase; he operated it for about two decades. In 1909, the house and 725 acres were divided into several farms and sold to multiple owners. Attempts in 1933 by the Daughters of the American Revolution to restore the home were unsuccessful, and by 1948 it had burned beyond repair.

At least since the 1830s, there had been a crossing over the South River. Robert Clarke built a covered bridge there in 1872. Eventually, it was the last covered bridge in DeKalb, and was replaced in 1937 with funding from the WPA.

","

Location is closed.

",[297],"May 2026 Update: Please note, the park, parking lot, and trails are closed for construction. ","The South River is a defining feature of South DeKalb’s landscape. With its headwaters near East Point, the South River flows into Jackson Lake where it combines with other tributaries to become the Ocomulgee River. Long before white settlers arrived, the Muscogee (Creek) lived along its banks and called it the Weelaunee. Beginning in 1821, they were forcibly removed from this land. That was also the year white settlers gained access to what would become DeKalb County through Georgia’s land lottery system. Over the next 200 years, this area would be known by many names, including Flat Shoals, Flat Rock, and finally, Panola Shoals. The Latimers were among the early settlers here, but not as land lottery winners. With proximity to the Decatur-McDonough Road (Snapfinger Road/Hwy 155), Latimer’s Store was established in 1829 and served as a general store and post office. William Marshall Latimer was the first postmaster, Charles Latimer, his brother, was the second. In 1832, the Georgia Legislature chartered DeKalb Manufacturing Company at Flat Shoals on the South River. The company would process cotton into cloth using the waterpower of the South River. It is unclear whether a factory was immediately built or operated, but by 1850 there is evidence, from the census, of milling activity in the area. In 1862, Charles Latimer sought to hire a wool carder through newspaper advertising. The factory remained operational during the Civil War and produced large quantities of textiles for the Confederacy. Ownership of the mill changed in 1864, when it was bought by Robert M. Clarke. Skirmishes occurred in this area during the Atlanta Campaign in 1864. One in particular happened October 11-13, when federal troops crossed the South River at Flat Rock and resupplied their wagon train, loading 500 wagons with corn and oats. Interestingly, nothing was mentioned in our sources about the mill, or destruction in this area by the federal army. By 1870, the mill was valued at $10,000; it was one of the most valuable mills in DeKalb. In 1871, investors from Patterson, New Jersey, partnered with Clarke to expand operations in the mill, renaming it Oglethorpe Manufacturing. Clarke made a good profit on this new venture and received 183 shares of the company. A few years later, Clarke purchased the majority of the stock and built an additional cotton mill on the north bank of the river. Clarke’s new mill included a gin and 3,000 spindles to process raw cotton into fabric. Both the new mill, and the village around the factories, were called Panola, which comes from Choctaw, a Native American word meaning “cotton” or “thread.” It expanded in the 1870s, reaching a population of 200 residents. A railroad, operated by Clarke, was established to bring freight and passengers to and from Panola. After Clark died in 1891, both mills were sold to the Morris Southern Yarn Company. The mills only operated for a year when fire and flood destroyed both in 1893. The Panic of 1893 was the final blow for cotton production at Panola. Milton A. Candler, Sr., purchased the property but made no changes before it was sold to the Flake family prior to 1904.There is a side note regarding Candler’s purchase of the property. His son, Milton Candler, Jr., was married to Nellie Scott, the daughter of George W. Scott (Agnes Scott College, Scottdale Mill). Candler worked at his father-in-law’s investment company and showed promise in manufacturing. Tragically, Milton Candler, Jr., died in 1893, only one month after the Morris Southern Yarn Mill burned, leaving behind Nellie and two young children. The next known owner of the mill site and surrounding 1000 acres was Thomas J. Flake, who was already operating a grist, corn, and saw mill up river. Thomas J. Flake’s sons, Walter and Augustus, transformed the site into a power plant, called Panola Light and Power Company. It brought electricity to Lithonia and Conyers from 1905 to 1925, when it was finally sold to the Georgia Railway and Power Company. Today, nothing remains of the mill, nor the power plant at Panola Shoals. From where you are at Panola Shoals, the wooded area across Panola Road was the home of Charles Latimer and childhood home of Rebecca Latimer Felton (1835-1930). Felton’s life, career, and legacy are complicated. Felton was the first woman to serve in the United States Senate. She was appointed to fill a vacancy and took the oath on November 21, 1922. Her appointment was largely symbolic, as she was 87 and served only 24 hours. She advocated for women’s suffrage and strongly supported gender equality. At the same time, she was an outspoken white supremacist and advocate of segregation. She was the last member of Congress who enslaved people, and here at Panola Plantation, her family enslaved six people in 1860. The home was described as a large two-story white frame structure with a central hallway, large rooms, and high-ceilings. Granite, taken from the outcrops that surround the property, formed the foundation. The property was part of Clarke’s 1864 purchase; he operated it for about two decades. In 1909, the house and 725 acres were divided into several farms and sold to multiple owners. Attempts in 1933 by the Daughters of the American Revolution to restore the home were unsuccessful, and by 1948 it had burned beyond repair. At least since the 1830s, there had been a crossing over the South River. Robert Clarke built a covered bridge there in 1872. Eventually, it was the last covered bridge in DeKalb, and was replaced in 1937 with funding from the WPA. ",[295,296,280],{"_75":293,"_149":-5,"_150":294},[],"Panola Shoals Covered Bridge","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fkjfojylklmoj81s794sd93d152hz?variant=desktop","new-stop-1775502576616","panola-shoals",{"_107":298,"_103":262,"_149":-5,"_159":202,"_160":-5,"_162":-5,"_164":299,"_166":300,"_34":301,"_169":206,"_170":207,"_171":-5,"_172":-5,"_174":208,"_75":293,"_176":-5},1540,"panola shoals bridge.jpg",{"_177":302,"_179":303,"_181":304,"_183":294,"_185":305},1875,"https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fkjfojylklmoj81s794sd93d152hz","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fkjfojylklmoj81s794sd93d152hz?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fkjfojylklmoj81s794sd93d152hz?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fkjfojylklmoj81s794sd93d152hz?variant=lqip",541,"rock-chapel-methodist-church-and-bond-family-home","Rock Chapel Methodist Church and Bond Family Home ",{"_34":279,"_66":280,"_75":281},10,{"_34":400,"_66":401,"_75":402},549,"1994 Stephenson Rd, Lithonia, GA 30058, USA","

Rock Chapel was an early community in DeKalb, established in or around 1825 when a log cabin Methodist meeting house was built. Joseph Ballenger Bond (1790-1863) donated land for the construction of a permanent church on this property. This sanctuary was built in 1887. Though difficult to see today, a very small granite outcrop, owned by the Bond and Chupp families, had been behind this church and cemetery. Though small, it was called Rock Mountain by the locals. Modest quarrying operations began here in the late 1890s. Production increased in 1904, when a railroad line was introduced. It is still quarried today. Many Rock Chapel residents later helped found the City of Lithonia and other local churches.

The original church and school were built on the location of the current cemetery. After the building burned in 1870, a new church was built – the one you see today. The school was relocated, just off the property. A Methodist church camp was built across Rock Chapel Road, where the EMBARC Community Youth Farm is presently. It is believed that the first camp meeting was held in the 1840s, and by the 1880s, large-scale meetings were being held under a semi-permanent structure. According to newspaper reports, 5,000 visitors would attend these meetings. Railroads normally used for Rock Chapel Quarry operations would bring thousands of visitors from Lithonia, and beyond, to these meetings.

One of the most significant surviving records in the collection of the DeKalb History Center is the Attendance Roll for Rock Chapel Methodist Church. This book recorded the names of all who attended, beginning in 1848. This important primary source not only features early landowners of the area, but also those who were enslaved. Listed only by first name and their enslaver, the book documents the lives of the enslaved, as well as the complicated intertwined history between slavery and the church. In 1854, 44 enslaved women and men were listed. Among a few of the names are: “Marbut’s Jane, Johnson’s Mariah, and Lee’s Hannah.”

From the church attendance roll, we know Hannah was first recorded in October 1854. While it mentions Lee, we can’t verify his first name since there are multiple Lee’s attending Rock Chapel at the time. After the Civil War, Hannah continued to attend church here. She was again listed in 1866 on the church roll, but now as Hannah Weaver. We know she was married to Olliver Weaver, but we don’t know that date and he isn’t listed on the roll.

By the 1880s, the Weavers were farmers, who owned 30 acres of land in Rock Chapel. Hannah remained a member at Rock Chapel Methodist until she died in 1903 and is buried, along with Olliver, in the segregated wooded area beside the church.

Architecturally, the oldest part of the church is the taller portion behind the entrance portico (1887). Church records detail that the wood used was local pine, hand-cut and milled by congregants. Rock Chapel Cemetery is among the oldest in DeKalb County, with some graves dating to the 1840s.

",33.757756,-84.0779611,[328,329,330,331,332,333],"Rock Chapel was an early community of DeKalb, established around 1825. Learn the history of this community, the people, and the industry that shaped this part of DeKalb. ","Rock Chapel was an early community in DeKalb, established in or around 1825 when a log cabin Methodist meeting house was built. Joseph Ballenger Bond (1790-1863) donated land for the construction of a permanent church on this property. This sanctuary was built in 1887. Though difficult to see today, a very small granite outcrop, owned by the Bond and Chupp families, had been behind this church and cemetery. Though small, it was called Rock Mountain by the locals. Modest quarrying operations began here in the late 1890s. Production increased in 1904, when a railroad line was introduced. It is still quarried today. Many Rock Chapel residents later helped found the City of Lithonia and other local churches. The original church and school were built on the location of the current cemetery. After the building burned in 1870, a new church was built – the one you see today. The school was relocated, just off the property. A Methodist church camp was built across Rock Chapel Road, where the EMBARC Community Youth Farm is presently. It is believed that the first camp meeting was held in the 1840s, and by the 1880s, large-scale meetings were being held under a semi-permanent structure. According to newspaper reports, 5,000 visitors would attend these meetings. Railroads normally used for Rock Chapel Quarry operations would bring thousands of visitors from Lithonia, and beyond, to these meetings. One of the most significant surviving records in the collection of the DeKalb History Center is the Attendance Roll for Rock Chapel Methodist Church. This book recorded the names of all who attended, beginning in 1848. This important primary source not only features early landowners of the area, but also those who were enslaved. Listed only by first name and their enslaver, the book documents the lives of the enslaved, as well as the complicated intertwined history between slavery and the church. In 1854, 44 enslaved women and men were listed. Among a few of the names are: “Marbut’s Jane, Johnson’s Mariah, and Lee’s Hannah.” From the church attendance roll, we know Hannah was first recorded in October 1854. While it mentions Lee, we can’t verify his first name since there are multiple Lee’s attending Rock Chapel at the time. After the Civil War, Hannah continued to attend church here. She was again listed in 1866 on the church roll, but now as Hannah Weaver. We know she was married to Olliver Weaver, but we don’t know that date and he isn’t listed on the roll. By the 1880s, the Weavers were farmers, who owned 30 acres of land in Rock Chapel. Hannah remained a member at Rock Chapel Methodist until she died in 1903 and is buried, along with Olliver, in the segregated wooded area beside the church. Architecturally, the oldest part of the church is the taller portion behind the entrance portico (1887). Church records detail that the wood used was local pine, hand-cut and milled by congregants. Rock Chapel Cemetery is among the oldest in DeKalb County, with some graves dating to the 1840s.",[326,327,307],{"_75":323,"_149":324,"_150":325},[],"Rock Chapel United Methodist Church ","Rock Chapel United Methodist Church, 2026. ","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Frp03czmpgpqg805vlhswxsx92hdh?variant=desktop","new-stop-1775502953499","rock-chapel-methodist-church",{"_107":392,"_103":24,"_149":324,"_159":202,"_160":-5,"_162":-5,"_164":393,"_166":394,"_34":395,"_169":206,"_170":207,"_171":-5,"_172":-5,"_174":208,"_75":323,"_176":-5},{"_107":381,"_103":157,"_149":382,"_159":202,"_160":-5,"_162":-5,"_164":383,"_166":384,"_34":385,"_169":206,"_170":207,"_171":-5,"_172":-5,"_174":208,"_75":386,"_176":-5},{"_107":369,"_103":370,"_149":371,"_159":202,"_160":-5,"_162":-5,"_164":372,"_166":373,"_34":374,"_169":206,"_170":207,"_171":-5,"_172":-5,"_174":208,"_75":375,"_176":-5},{"_107":358,"_103":85,"_149":359,"_159":202,"_160":-5,"_162":-5,"_164":360,"_166":361,"_34":362,"_169":206,"_170":207,"_171":-5,"_172":-5,"_174":208,"_75":363,"_176":-5},{"_107":346,"_103":347,"_149":348,"_159":202,"_160":-5,"_162":-5,"_164":349,"_166":350,"_34":351,"_169":206,"_170":207,"_171":-5,"_172":-5,"_174":208,"_75":352,"_176":-5},{"_107":334,"_103":335,"_149":336,"_159":202,"_160":-5,"_162":-5,"_164":337,"_166":338,"_34":339,"_169":206,"_170":207,"_171":-5,"_172":-5,"_174":208,"_75":340,"_176":-5},1588,7,"Rock Chapel United Methodist Cemetery. ","PXL_20260421_180047622.jpg",{"_177":341,"_179":342,"_181":343,"_183":344,"_185":345},1925,"Bond Family Plot at Rock Chapel United Methodist Cemetery","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2F7z29d44jpmt7qrbimplwqlae4lub","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2F7z29d44jpmt7qrbimplwqlae4lub?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2F7z29d44jpmt7qrbimplwqlae4lub?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2F7z29d44jpmt7qrbimplwqlae4lub?variant=desktop","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2F7z29d44jpmt7qrbimplwqlae4lub?variant=lqip",1556,6,"Rock Chapel Methodist Collection, DeKalb History Center. ","Rock Chapel Methodist ledger page 1854 colored female members.jpg",{"_177":353,"_179":354,"_181":355,"_183":356,"_185":357},1891,"Rock Chapel Methodist ledger page, 1854. ","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fgjawemjnoosdu5s55j479k58g9rp","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fgjawemjnoosdu5s55j479k58g9rp?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fgjawemjnoosdu5s55j479k58g9rp?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fgjawemjnoosdu5s55j479k58g9rp?variant=desktop","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fgjawemjnoosdu5s55j479k58g9rp?variant=lqip",1554,"Rock Chapel Methodist Annual Exercises of the DeKalb County Association at the 41st Annual Celebration at Rock Chapel Georgia July 31 1907\nRock Chapel Methodist Collection, DeKalb History Center. ","Rock Chapel Methodist Annual Exercises of the DeKalb County Association at the 41st Annual Celebration at Rock Chapel Georgia July 31 1907.jpg",{"_177":364,"_179":365,"_181":366,"_183":367,"_185":368},1889,"Sunday School Booklet (1907). ","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fzd3f30ir3a7ceylfh0v2b708ynv3","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fzd3f30ir3a7ceylfh0v2b708ynv3?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fzd3f30ir3a7ceylfh0v2b708ynv3?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fzd3f30ir3a7ceylfh0v2b708ynv3?variant=desktop","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fzd3f30ir3a7ceylfh0v2b708ynv3?variant=lqip",1552,4,"Rock Chapel Collection, DeKalb History Center. ","church camp Rock Chapel .png",{"_177":376,"_179":377,"_181":378,"_183":379,"_185":380},1887,"Rock Chapel Tabernacle at the Rock Chapel Church Camp. (c.1940) ","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fcq35483ydy9rvq3bzjedmdywda12","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fcq35483ydy9rvq3bzjedmdywda12?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fcq35483ydy9rvq3bzjedmdywda12?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fcq35483ydy9rvq3bzjedmdywda12?variant=desktop","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fcq35483ydy9rvq3bzjedmdywda12?variant=lqip",1553,"Rock Chapel Church, Rock Chapel Collection, DeKalb History Center. ","Rock Chapel Church .png",{"_177":387,"_179":388,"_181":389,"_183":390,"_185":391},1888,"Rock Chapel Church, C. 1940. ","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fuf15fqsecs8r8k4l7cdeppk5wonr","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fuf15fqsecs8r8k4l7cdeppk5wonr?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fuf15fqsecs8r8k4l7cdeppk5wonr?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fuf15fqsecs8r8k4l7cdeppk5wonr?variant=desktop","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fuf15fqsecs8r8k4l7cdeppk5wonr?variant=lqip",1590,"PXL_20260421_175758033.jpg",{"_177":396,"_179":397,"_181":398,"_183":325,"_185":399},1927,"https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Frp03czmpgpqg805vlhswxsx92hdh","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Frp03czmpgpqg805vlhswxsx92hdh?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Frp03czmpgpqg805vlhswxsx92hdh?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Frp03czmpgpqg805vlhswxsx92hdh?variant=lqip",547,"bruce-street","Bruce Street ",{"_34":306,"_66":307,"_75":308},9,{"_34":496,"_66":497,"_75":498},555,"

The first schools organized for Black children in the Lithonia area were housed in churches in the 1880s: St. Paul AME and Antioch Baptist.

In 1922, Lithonians formed the Yellow River Grammar School, an outgrowth of the original two schools. This school operated until 1935 when it was destroyed by a fire. According to oral histories, this was a coordinated effort by the Ku Klux Klan, which also burned two other Black schools in Dekalb – Flat Rock and Miller Grove.

In 1938, the community self-funded the purchase and construction of a new school. Made out of local granite, built by local workers, and funded by the community, it truly represented Black Lithonia. The granite building was a declaration of strength and security.

Bruce Street School became part of the DeKalb County school system, and received county support. A lunch kitchen was built, assisted by the WPA. A high school was added later, and graduated three students in 1943.

In 1955, the school closed when Georgia legislators, seeking to avoid desegregation mandated by Brown v. Board of Education, constructed \"equalization schools” around the state. Students from Bruce Street were relocated across the street to the New Bruce Street School, today the Lithonia Senior Center and Police Precinct. After the original Bruce Street School was closed, it too caught on fire and was never repaired.

Memories of the Bruce Street School remain strong. Alumni continue to return for reunions and community events, sharing stories and reflecting on the education and sense of belonging they found in their early years.

Today, the Arabia Mountain Heritage Alliance is revitalizing the area around the Bruce Street School ruins, transforming it into a multi-use space while honoring the school's legacy.

",[419,420,421,422,423,424,425],"Discover the legacy of Black education in Lithonia, from church schools to Bruce Street School—built by the community, shaped by resilience, and remembered today.","The first schools organized for Black children in the Lithonia area were housed in churches in the 1880s: St. Paul AME and Antioch Baptist. In 1922, Lithonians formed the Yellow River Grammar School, an outgrowth of the original two schools. This school operated until 1935 when it was destroyed by a fire. According to oral histories, this was a coordinated effort by the Ku Klux Klan, which also burned two other Black schools in Dekalb – Flat Rock and Miller Grove. In 1938, the community self-funded the purchase and construction of a new school. Made out of local granite, built by local workers, and funded by the community, it truly represented Black Lithonia. The granite building was a declaration of strength and security. Bruce Street School became part of the DeKalb County school system, and received county support. A lunch kitchen was built, assisted by the WPA. A high school was added later, and graduated three students in 1943. In 1955, the school closed when Georgia legislators, seeking to avoid desegregation mandated by Brown v. Board of Education, constructed \"equalization schools” around the state. Students from Bruce Street were relocated across the street to the New Bruce Street School, today the Lithonia Senior Center and Police Precinct. After the original Bruce Street School was closed, it too caught on fire and was never repaired. Memories of the Bruce Street School remain strong. Alumni continue to return for reunions and community events, sharing stories and reflecting on the education and sense of belonging they found in their early years. Today, the Arabia Mountain Heritage Alliance is revitalizing the area around the Bruce Street School ruins, transforming it into a multi-use space while honoring the school's legacy.",[417,401,418],{"_75":414,"_149":415,"_150":416},[],"Bruce Street School Memories","Interview with Allene Harper Smith and Annie Anderson Dougherty.\nDiscusses:\nBruce Street teachers\nBus rides to Bruce Street\nMiller Grove\nBruce Street \nBruce Street Lunchroom and \"Miss Ada\" Ada Anderson Beck \n\nFilmed and Interview By Eddy Anderson, September 2023.","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fbjsaq1d2kxs88v1aroexh0r7ckwd?variant=desktop","new-stop-1776976419923","bruce-street-updated",{"_107":486,"_103":262,"_149":415,"_159":202,"_160":487,"_162":488,"_164":489,"_166":490,"_34":491,"_169":206,"_170":207,"_171":-5,"_172":173,"_174":208,"_75":414,"_176":488},{"_107":477,"_103":24,"_149":-5,"_159":-5,"_160":-5,"_162":-5,"_164":478,"_166":479,"_34":480,"_169":-5,"_170":-5,"_171":-5,"_172":-5,"_174":-5,"_75":478,"_176":-5},{"_107":467,"_103":188,"_149":-5,"_159":202,"_160":-5,"_162":-5,"_164":468,"_166":469,"_34":470,"_169":206,"_170":207,"_171":-5,"_172":-5,"_174":208,"_75":471,"_176":-5},{"_107":456,"_103":157,"_149":457,"_159":202,"_160":-5,"_162":-5,"_164":458,"_166":459,"_34":460,"_169":206,"_170":207,"_171":-5,"_172":-5,"_174":208,"_75":461,"_176":-5},{"_107":446,"_103":370,"_149":447,"_159":202,"_160":-5,"_162":-5,"_164":448,"_166":449,"_34":450,"_169":206,"_170":207,"_171":-5,"_172":-5,"_174":208,"_75":447,"_176":-5},{"_107":435,"_103":85,"_149":436,"_159":202,"_160":-5,"_162":-5,"_164":437,"_166":438,"_34":439,"_169":206,"_170":207,"_171":-5,"_172":-5,"_174":208,"_75":440,"_176":-5},{"_107":426,"_103":347,"_149":-5,"_159":-5,"_160":-5,"_162":-5,"_164":427,"_166":428,"_34":429,"_169":-5,"_170":-5,"_171":-5,"_172":-5,"_174":-5,"_75":427,"_176":-5},1623,"Bruce Street Yearbook, 1964.png",{"_177":430,"_179":431,"_181":432,"_183":433,"_185":434},1960,"https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fi1ay8uyrm7f8u1ove926gotswow5","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fi1ay8uyrm7f8u1ove926gotswow5?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fi1ay8uyrm7f8u1ove926gotswow5?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fi1ay8uyrm7f8u1ove926gotswow5?variant=desktop","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fi1ay8uyrm7f8u1ove926gotswow5?variant=lqip",1622,"Eddy Anderson Collection, DeKalb History Center Archives. ","Bruce Street Yearbook, inside cover 1964.png",{"_177":441,"_179":442,"_181":443,"_183":444,"_185":445},1959,"Bruce Street Yearbook, inside cover 1964","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Ffs2e6xuytfjs98s2mufueu7sw4z1","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Ffs2e6xuytfjs98s2mufueu7sw4z1?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Ffs2e6xuytfjs98s2mufueu7sw4z1?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Ffs2e6xuytfjs98s2mufueu7sw4z1?variant=desktop","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Ffs2e6xuytfjs98s2mufueu7sw4z1?variant=lqip",1587,"St Paul AME ","PXL_20260421_183515230.jpg",{"_177":451,"_179":452,"_181":453,"_183":454,"_185":455},1924,"https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fh2n7c2nnhkbix5dn27xdxpccwr68","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fh2n7c2nnhkbix5dn27xdxpccwr68?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fh2n7c2nnhkbix5dn27xdxpccwr68?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fh2n7c2nnhkbix5dn27xdxpccwr68?variant=desktop","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fh2n7c2nnhkbix5dn27xdxpccwr68?variant=lqip",1586,"Allene Smith Harper at age 11 (Allene Smith Harper). Photo from Arabia Alliance Collection. ","Allene Smith Harper at age 11 (Allene Smith Harper) copy.png",{"_177":462,"_179":463,"_181":464,"_183":465,"_185":466},1923,"Allene Smith Harper at age 11 (Allene Smith Harper)","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fq1vic423xzpt606fuu6pycc01d02","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fq1vic423xzpt606fuu6pycc01d02?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fq1vic423xzpt606fuu6pycc01d02?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fq1vic423xzpt606fuu6pycc01d02?variant=desktop","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fq1vic423xzpt606fuu6pycc01d02?variant=lqip",1585,"Arabia Alliance- Miss Ada Anderson (Frances Mae Anderson).tif",{"_177":472,"_179":473,"_181":474,"_183":475,"_185":476},1914,"Arabia Alliance- Miss Ada Anderson (Frances Mae Anderson)","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2F7hu2v2fewuwn7jfjbblepdl487ho","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2F7hu2v2fewuwn7jfjbblepdl487ho?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2F7hu2v2fewuwn7jfjbblepdl487ho?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2F7hu2v2fewuwn7jfjbblepdl487ho?variant=desktop","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2F7hu2v2fewuwn7jfjbblepdl487ho?variant=lqip",1584,"PXL_20260421_182857568.jpg",{"_177":481,"_179":482,"_181":483,"_183":484,"_185":485},1922,"https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Ft677cu3a5j1htasrs37ehesis0x1","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Ft677cu3a5j1htasrs37ehesis0x1?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Ft677cu3a5j1htasrs37ehesis0x1?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Ft677cu3a5j1htasrs37ehesis0x1?variant=desktop","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Ft677cu3a5j1htasrs37ehesis0x1?variant=lqip",1583,"//www.youtube.com/embed/lCwqLs28QTc","lCwqLs28QTc","lCwqLs28QTc.jpg",{"_177":492,"_179":493,"_181":494,"_183":416,"_185":495},1921,"https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fbjsaq1d2kxs88v1aroexh0r7ckwd","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fbjsaq1d2kxs88v1aroexh0r7ckwd?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fbjsaq1d2kxs88v1aroexh0r7ckwd?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fbjsaq1d2kxs88v1aroexh0r7ckwd?variant=lqip",550,"antioch-baptist-church-ca-1869","Antioch Baptist Church (ca.1869) ",{"_34":400,"_66":401,"_75":402},8,{"_34":312,"_66":549,"_75":550},558,"

During Reconstruction following the Civil War, African Americans began to establish churches in Lithonia. This congregation, founded in 1869, is the oldest of three historic African American churches in Lithonia. The congregation built this Gothic Revival-style granite sanctuary in 1911 out of local granite from nearby quarries. Many of the congregants were stone masons and contributed to its construction. After the burning of the Yellow River School in 1935, the church served as the school until Bruce Street School was built in 1938.

This church was a pillar in the Black community. Many remarkable women, important to Lithonia’s story, were congregants here. Sister Ada Anderson Beck was born in 1898 and worked to raise funds to purchase the land on which Bruce Street School was built. Sister Nellie Philips Bloodsaw, a piano teacher, was instrumental to the arts in Lithonia. Many of her students went on to become professional musicians. We will learn more about the Yellow River School and Bruce Street School at our next stop.

",[514,515,516],"During Reconstruction following the Civil War, African Americans began to establish churches in Lithonia. This congregation, founded in 1869, is the oldest of three historic African American churches in Lithonia. The congregation built this Gothic Revival-style granite sanctuary in 1911 out of local granite from nearby quarries. Many of the congregants were stone masons and contributed to its construction. After the burning of the Yellow River School in 1935, the church served as the school until Bruce Street School was built in 1938. This church was a pillar in the Black community. Many remarkable women, important to Lithonia’s story, were congregants here. Sister Ada Anderson Beck was born in 1898 and worked to raise funds to purchase the land on which Bruce Street School was built. Sister Nellie Philips Bloodsaw, a piano teacher, was instrumental to the arts in Lithonia. Many of her students went on to become professional musicians. We will learn more about the Yellow River School and Bruce Street School at our next stop.",[512,513,497],{"_75":509,"_149":510,"_150":511},[],"Antioch Baptist Church, 2026. ","Antioch Baptist Church, sanctuary built in 1911. ","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fn31iwsoguc8ruf4f9eetuzezfl72?variant=desktop","new-stop-1777660468593","antioch",{"_107":541,"_103":24,"_149":510,"_159":202,"_160":-5,"_162":-5,"_164":542,"_166":543,"_34":544,"_169":206,"_170":207,"_171":-5,"_172":-5,"_174":208,"_75":509,"_176":-5},{"_107":528,"_103":188,"_149":529,"_159":-5,"_160":530,"_162":531,"_164":532,"_166":533,"_34":534,"_169":-5,"_170":-5,"_171":-5,"_172":173,"_174":-5,"_75":535,"_176":531},{"_107":517,"_103":157,"_149":518,"_159":202,"_160":-5,"_162":-5,"_164":519,"_166":520,"_34":521,"_169":206,"_170":207,"_171":-5,"_172":-5,"_174":208,"_75":522,"_176":-5},1635,"Joyce Scales Collection, DeKalb History Center Archives. ","Antioch Lithonia church at Parkway Drive location.jpg",{"_177":523,"_179":524,"_181":525,"_183":526,"_185":527},1967,"Members of Antioch Baptist Church, date unknown. ","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2F8gvvq99zv5c1jd0k2adtrixnafsq","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2F8gvvq99zv5c1jd0k2adtrixnafsq?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2F8gvvq99zv5c1jd0k2adtrixnafsq?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2F8gvvq99zv5c1jd0k2adtrixnafsq?variant=desktop","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2F8gvvq99zv5c1jd0k2adtrixnafsq?variant=lqip",1634,"History of Antioch Baptist Church and surrounding area with Olitha McGuire Reid. \n\nFilmed by Eddy Anderson, June 8, 2024.","//www.youtube.com/embed/-PWLYCK11VY","-PWLYCK11VY","-PWLYCK11VY.jpg",{"_177":536,"_179":537,"_181":538,"_183":539,"_185":540},1966,"Olitha McGuire Reid on the history of Antioch Baptist Church, Lithonia","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fuy3xgte6vuv4ua96x2y6pbaim9et","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fuy3xgte6vuv4ua96x2y6pbaim9et?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fuy3xgte6vuv4ua96x2y6pbaim9et?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fuy3xgte6vuv4ua96x2y6pbaim9et?variant=desktop","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fuy3xgte6vuv4ua96x2y6pbaim9et?variant=lqip",1636,"Antioch Baptist.png",{"_177":545,"_179":546,"_181":547,"_183":511,"_185":548},1968,"https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fn31iwsoguc8ruf4f9eetuzezfl72","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fn31iwsoguc8ruf4f9eetuzezfl72?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fn31iwsoguc8ruf4f9eetuzezfl72?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fn31iwsoguc8ruf4f9eetuzezfl72?variant=lqip","lithonia-main-street","Lithonia- Main Street",{"_34":496,"_66":497,"_75":498},{"_34":637,"_66":18,"_75":638},557,"

Main Street

The granite industry had a profound impact on the look and feel of the downtown. These buildings not only used stone from local quarries, but also the workers who lived here – Lithonians constructed their own churches, schools, and stores.

Lithonia was a bustling center of commerce from the 1880s through the 1960s. As with many downtowns, suburbanization shifted commerce away from main streets and toward highways and purpose-built shopping centers. This was evident in Lithonia when the Lithonia Plaza Shopping Center (1968) and Max Cleland Boulevard (1975) were built. The construction of the shopping center cleared eight acres of downtown Lithonia, including historic resources, from Bond Street to Swift Street. Only the storefronts on one block of Main Street were spared. This was part of a federally funded urban renewal project. Main Street businesses suffered, as small mom and pop grocery stores could not compete with the newly built Winn-Dixie (1968) in Lithonia Plaza.

To Learn More about the early business of Downtown Lithonia, listen to Anne Gilbert….

Driving down Main Street, notice how different each building can be despite many including stone on their facades. Some storefronts are granite, others gneiss. Some are smooth, others are rough cut. The one-story building on the left as you approach Main Street is the oldest commercial building.

Johnson Hall, ca. 1885, at 6957 Main Street, features rough cut gneiss (as opposed to polished stone), which was hand-cut into chamfered blocks. Originally two stories, the second-story windows were filled in with more granite following a fire.

Making a right on Main Street

The former Post Office (1962) is a red brick and granite International Style building.

The Stewart Building (1911) is the last granite building on the left before the railroad tracks, and was constructed by Dr. Stewart, a pharmacist. It contained his pharmacy, additional commercial space to rent, and later a grocery store and bank.

Crossing the railroad tracks, the two-story granite building is the Lithonia Masonic Lodge #84 (1916) built of Lithonia gneiss. Its facade features a variety of stone techniques and patterns, from smooth to rough, as well as curved archway openings and a crenelated roof, while the side walls are utilitarian. The first floor would have been commercial, with the Masons meeting upstairs. It had a neighboring building to the left, now an empty lot. The Lithonia Masonic Lodge #84 was chartered in 1849.

Turning down Rock Chapel, pull off on Church Street.

This cute, small granite building was originally the Lithonia City Waterworks Pump House (1916). Lithonia was prosperous and by the end of the 19th and early 20th centuries provided its citizens with modern utilities and services. Telephone service was brought into Lithonia in 1891, with connections to Atlanta and Stone Mountain. Electricity, in 1905, provided by the Panola Light and Power Company, lit the streets in downtown Lithonia.

",[566,567,568,569,570,571,572],"Main Street The granite industry had a profound impact on the look and feel of the downtown. These buildings not only used stone from local quarries, but also the workers who lived here – Lithonians constructed their own churches, schools, and stores. Lithonia was a bustling center of commerce from the 1880s through the 1960s. As with many downtowns, suburbanization shifted commerce away from main streets and toward highways and purpose-built shopping centers. This was evident in Lithonia when the Lithonia Plaza Shopping Center (1968) and Max Cleland Boulevard (1975) were built. The construction of the shopping center cleared eight acres of downtown Lithonia, including historic resources, from Bond Street to Swift Street. Only the storefronts on one block of Main Street were spared. This was part of a federally funded urban renewal project. Main Street businesses suffered, as small mom and pop grocery stores could not compete with the newly built Winn-Dixie (1968) in Lithonia Plaza. To Learn More about the early business of Downtown Lithonia, listen to Anne Gilbert….Driving down Main Street, notice how different each building can be despite many including stone on their facades. Some storefronts are granite, others gneiss. Some are smooth, others are rough cut. The one-story building on the left as you approach Main Street is the oldest commercial building. Johnson Hall, ca. 1885, at 6957 Main Street, features rough cut gneiss (as opposed to polished stone), which was hand-cut into chamfered blocks. Originally two stories, the second-story windows were filled in with more granite following a fire. Making a right on Main Street The former Post Office (1962) is a red brick and granite International Style building. The Stewart Building (1911) is the last granite building on the left before the railroad tracks, and was constructed by Dr. Stewart, a pharmacist. It contained his pharmacy, additional commercial space to rent, and later a grocery store and bank. Crossing the railroad tracks, the two-story granite building is the Lithonia Masonic Lodge #84 (1916) built of Lithonia gneiss. Its facade features a variety of stone techniques and patterns, from smooth to rough, as well as curved archway openings and a crenelated roof, while the side walls are utilitarian. The first floor would have been commercial, with the Masons meeting upstairs. It had a neighboring building to the left, now an empty lot. The Lithonia Masonic Lodge #84 was chartered in 1849. Turning down Rock Chapel, pull off on Church Street. This cute, small granite building was originally the Lithonia City Waterworks Pump House (1916). Lithonia was prosperous and by the end of the 19th and early 20th centuries provided its citizens with modern utilities and services. Telephone service was brought into Lithonia in 1891, with connections to Atlanta and Stone Mountain. Electricity, in 1905, provided by the Panola Light and Power Company, lit the streets in downtown Lithonia. ",[563,564,565,549],{"_75":560,"_149":561,"_150":562},[],"Lithonia Downtown Memories with Anne Pearson Gilbert","Memories of Downtown Lithonia with Anne Pearson Gilbert \nDiscusses Brenda Lee, Parades through Lithonia, Family History. \nFilmed July 9, 2025. \nInterview by Monica El-Amin and Eddy Anderson (Film)","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Firt6m996zw8tlwcku3m95cqft7tl?variant=desktop","new-stop-1777659576611","lithonia","lithonia-main",{"_107":627,"_103":24,"_149":561,"_159":-5,"_160":628,"_162":629,"_164":630,"_166":631,"_34":632,"_169":-5,"_170":-5,"_171":-5,"_172":173,"_174":-5,"_75":560,"_176":629},{"_107":618,"_103":188,"_149":-5,"_159":-5,"_160":-5,"_162":-5,"_164":619,"_166":620,"_34":621,"_169":-5,"_170":-5,"_171":-5,"_172":-5,"_174":-5,"_75":619,"_176":-5},{"_107":609,"_103":157,"_149":-5,"_159":-5,"_160":-5,"_162":-5,"_164":610,"_166":611,"_34":612,"_169":-5,"_170":-5,"_171":-5,"_172":-5,"_174":-5,"_75":610,"_176":-5},{"_107":600,"_103":370,"_149":-5,"_159":-5,"_160":-5,"_162":-5,"_164":601,"_166":602,"_34":603,"_169":-5,"_170":-5,"_171":-5,"_172":-5,"_174":-5,"_75":601,"_176":-5},{"_107":591,"_103":85,"_149":-5,"_159":-5,"_160":-5,"_162":-5,"_164":592,"_166":593,"_34":594,"_169":-5,"_170":-5,"_171":-5,"_172":-5,"_174":-5,"_75":592,"_176":-5},{"_107":582,"_103":347,"_149":-5,"_159":-5,"_160":-5,"_162":-5,"_164":583,"_166":584,"_34":585,"_169":-5,"_170":-5,"_171":-5,"_172":-5,"_174":-5,"_75":583,"_176":-5},{"_107":573,"_103":335,"_149":-5,"_159":-5,"_160":-5,"_162":-5,"_164":574,"_166":575,"_34":576,"_169":-5,"_170":-5,"_171":-5,"_172":-5,"_174":-5,"_75":574,"_176":-5},1620,"Lithonia Feed and Seed Store.png",{"_177":577,"_179":578,"_181":579,"_183":580,"_185":581},1957,"https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2F2h7e6cb34865r9h4l08mn1m98sik","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2F2h7e6cb34865r9h4l08mn1m98sik?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2F2h7e6cb34865r9h4l08mn1m98sik?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2F2h7e6cb34865r9h4l08mn1m98sik?variant=desktop","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2F2h7e6cb34865r9h4l08mn1m98sik?variant=lqip",1621,"Waterworks.png",{"_177":586,"_179":587,"_181":588,"_183":589,"_185":590},1958,"https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2F8awos8tuvh5ohdr10peadybo0waw","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2F8awos8tuvh5ohdr10peadybo0waw?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2F8awos8tuvh5ohdr10peadybo0waw?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2F8awos8tuvh5ohdr10peadybo0waw?variant=desktop","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2F8awos8tuvh5ohdr10peadybo0waw?variant=lqip",1619,"Lithonia Baptist.png",{"_177":595,"_179":596,"_181":597,"_183":598,"_185":599},1956,"https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2F0tfar4wcivu313fjkko1bj9vab7t","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2F0tfar4wcivu313fjkko1bj9vab7t?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2F0tfar4wcivu313fjkko1bj9vab7t?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2F0tfar4wcivu313fjkko1bj9vab7t?variant=desktop","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2F0tfar4wcivu313fjkko1bj9vab7t?variant=lqip",1618,"Downtown Lithonia Parade.png",{"_177":604,"_179":605,"_181":606,"_183":607,"_185":608},1955,"https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fffevq8njbfe2rqo6j7ykbwsdxft3","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fffevq8njbfe2rqo6j7ykbwsdxft3?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fffevq8njbfe2rqo6j7ykbwsdxft3?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fffevq8njbfe2rqo6j7ykbwsdxft3?variant=desktop","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fffevq8njbfe2rqo6j7ykbwsdxft3?variant=lqip",1616,"6.png",{"_177":613,"_179":614,"_181":615,"_183":616,"_185":617},1953,"https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2F5tur3klakayxum5bjq7j4dttn4l9","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2F5tur3klakayxum5bjq7j4dttn4l9?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2F5tur3klakayxum5bjq7j4dttn4l9?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2F5tur3klakayxum5bjq7j4dttn4l9?variant=desktop","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2F5tur3klakayxum5bjq7j4dttn4l9?variant=lqip",1617,"7.png",{"_177":622,"_179":623,"_181":624,"_183":625,"_185":626},1954,"https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2F3nn8swount8vf8ysfbwm2i8lmbm5","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2F3nn8swount8vf8ysfbwm2i8lmbm5?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2F3nn8swount8vf8ysfbwm2i8lmbm5?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2F3nn8swount8vf8ysfbwm2i8lmbm5?variant=desktop","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2F3nn8swount8vf8ysfbwm2i8lmbm5?variant=lqip",1615,"//www.youtube.com/embed/OMGXK-_f7m0","OMGXK-_f7m0","OMGXK-_f7m0.jpg",{"_177":633,"_179":634,"_181":635,"_183":562,"_185":636},1952,"https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Firt6m996zw8tlwcku3m95cqft7tl","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Firt6m996zw8tlwcku3m95cqft7tl?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Firt6m996zw8tlwcku3m95cqft7tl?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Firt6m996zw8tlwcku3m95cqft7tl?variant=lqip",545,"Lithonia Women's Club ",{"_34":312,"_66":549,"_75":550},{"_34":663,"_66":664,"_75":665},"Lithonia Women's Club","In the early part of the 20th century, women's social clubs were an important part of life. When women were excluded from government and businesses, social clubs offered an opportunity to enact social good in the community through education, beautification, and the library system. Many libraries across the state were founded by women’s organizations. In Lithonia, several clubs were started by women, including the Lithonia Improvement and Needlepoint Club, which merged into the Women’s Club. Many of the women of these clubs were well educated and often involved in churches or schools. In 1907, sisters Lula and Sadie Almand of Lithonia began collecting books in their home for neighbors. Their initiative became part of the Lithonia Women’s Club. This clubhouse was built in 1928 for $6,000. The granite was donated by local quarries, and the architectural plans were also donated by Lithonian George Harwell Bond of G. Lloyd Preacher Architects. Sealed in the cornerstone are the names of three Lithonia Pastors and copies of the DeKalb New Era and Lithonia Journal.\nThe Lithonia Women’s Club Library became part of the DeKalb system in 1938, with Mrs. Harold Reele as the head librarian. The library was open every afternoon, and had a storytime for children every Wednesday morning. Much of the funding for programs and librarians was provided by the Works Progress Administration (WPA). By 1940, Lithonia’s library circulation was the highest in the state. The library moved to a separate building on Lucellen Ave in 1956. \nThe women's club contributed to the war effort during the 1940s by sponsoring Red Cross classes, hosting blood drives, and corresponding with those serving overseas. Kindergarten was also taught in the building. \nThe women's club remained segregated until the 1970s. Lithonia’s first African American mayor, Marcia Glenn Hunter, was the first to integrate the Women's Club.\nThis building features many defining architectural elements. English Vernacular in style, the structure is defined by the front-facing chimney and gabled front room projection. The interior features rich wood details, a granite fireplace, and a welcoming double-door porch. This woman's place was designed to feel like a home away from home. \nWe will explore more of Lithonia by driving down Wiggins toward Main Street. \n",33.7862975,-84.2558876,[654],"Learn the history of the Lithonia Women's Club ",[653,18],{"_75":650,"_149":651,"_150":652},[],"Lithonia's Woman's Club (ca 1935) ","Lithonia Women's Club, photo from Arabia Alliance. ","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fu3owvemvixh5ts60ruidwnwb2ocz?variant=desktop","new-stop-1775760819536",{"_107":655,"_103":262,"_149":651,"_159":202,"_160":-5,"_162":-5,"_164":656,"_166":657,"_34":658,"_169":206,"_170":207,"_171":-5,"_172":-5,"_174":208,"_75":650,"_176":-5},1570,"Arabia Alliance- Earliest phot of the woman's club 1935.tif",{"_177":659,"_179":660,"_181":661,"_183":652,"_185":662},1907,"https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fu3owvemvixh5ts60ruidwnwb2ocz","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fu3owvemvixh5ts60ruidwnwb2ocz?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fu3owvemvixh5ts60ruidwnwb2ocz?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fu3owvemvixh5ts60ruidwnwb2ocz?variant=lqip",537,"ruth-carroll-dally-johnson-interpretive-garden-park","Ruth Carroll Dally Johnson Interpretive Garden Park ",{"_34":637,"_66":18,"_75":638},{"_34":706,"_66":707,"_75":708},"2564 Wiggins St, Lithonia, GA 30058, USA","

This park is the Ruth Carroll Dally Johnson Interpretive Garden, which serves as a Historic Gateway to the National Heritage Area. It introduces visitors to the granite industry and the locally quarried gneiss stone that transformed Lithonia.\nThe name Lithonia comes from Greek, meaning “place of stone” — a fitting description for the heart of Georgia’s granite industry. Granite has shaped nearly every aspect of this community, from its buildings to the livelihoods of those who worked in the quarries. \nStone can have a hyperlocal appearance, with variations in color and pattern even within a single quarry. Lithonia is especially known for a distinctive stone called Lithonia Gneiss, often referred to as Tidal Gray. Unlike the sparkly, speckled appearance of granite, gneiss has flowing, wavy bands of minerals. Though often mistakenly called granite, gneiss is actually a metamorphic rock, formed when granite was subjected to intense heat and pressure deep within the Earth. These forces created visible layers of quartz and feldspar, bending and folding like toothpaste squeezed from a tube. Gneiss is pronounced like the word “nice.”\n\nMuch of Lithonia’s gneiss came from Arabia Mountain and nearby quarries. By the turn of the 20th century, demand for Tidal Gray increased dramatically. This park is an ideal place to observe these distinctive patterns up close; once you recognize them, you’ll start seeing them everywhere.\nQuarrying is a trade that still requires skilled hand labor. While sizable machinery is used to extract and move large stones, the final shaping and splitting of stone is done by hand. Look at the stones, do you notice the grooves? Those are leftover markings from a feather-and-wedge system, a hand technique used to split stone. This method, performed with simple tools and following the natural grain of the rock, has remained unchanged for centuries. Many of the quarry workers of Lithonia are multi-generational stone masons. \nAs we continue the tour, consider how each piece of stone was quarried, shaped, and laid by workers, many of whom were Lithonians. \n",33.71071648143547,-84.10619297243566,[681,682],"This park is the Ruth Carroll Dally Johnson Interpretive Garden, which serves as a Historic Gateway to the National Heritage Area. It introduces visitors to the granite industry and the locally quarried gneiss stone that transformed Lithonia.\nThe name Lithonia comes from Greek, meaning “place of stone” — a fitting description for the heart of Georgia’s granite industry. Granite has shaped nearly every aspect of this community, from its buildings to the livelihoods of those who worked in the quarries. \nStone can have a hyperlocal appearance, with variations in color and pattern even within a single quarry. Lithonia is especially known for a distinctive stone called Lithonia Gneiss, often referred to as Tidal Gray. Unlike the sparkly, speckled appearance of granite, gneiss has flowing, wavy bands of minerals. Though often mistakenly called granite, gneiss is actually a metamorphic rock, formed when granite was subjected to intense heat and pressure deep within the Earth. These forces created visible layers of quartz and feldspar, bending and folding like toothpaste squeezed from a tube. Gneiss is pronounced like the word “nice.”\n\nMuch of Lithonia’s gneiss came from Arabia Mountain and nearby quarries. By the turn of the 20th century, demand for Tidal Gray increased dramatically. This park is an ideal place to observe these distinctive patterns up close; once you recognize them, you’ll start seeing them everywhere.\nQuarrying is a trade that still requires skilled hand labor. While sizable machinery is used to extract and move large stones, the final shaping and splitting of stone is done by hand. Look at the stones, do you notice the grooves? Those are leftover markings from a feather-and-wedge system, a hand technique used to split stone. This method, performed with simple tools and following the natural grain of the rock, has remained unchanged for centuries. Many of the quarry workers of Lithonia are multi-generational stone masons. \nAs we continue the tour, consider how each piece of stone was quarried, shaped, and laid by workers, many of whom were Lithonians. \n",[679,680,664],{"_75":677,"_149":111,"_150":678},[],"Lithonia Park","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fu6gd78z8bxuj6yck2oo5h28z579k?variant=desktop","new-stop-1775502714296","lithonia-women-s-club-ruth-carroll-dally-johnson-interpretive-garden-park",{"_107":696,"_103":262,"_149":111,"_159":-5,"_160":697,"_162":698,"_164":699,"_166":700,"_34":701,"_169":-5,"_170":-5,"_171":-5,"_172":173,"_174":-5,"_75":677,"_176":698},{"_107":683,"_103":24,"_149":684,"_159":-5,"_160":685,"_162":686,"_164":687,"_166":688,"_34":689,"_169":-5,"_170":-5,"_171":-5,"_172":173,"_174":-5,"_75":690,"_176":686},1569,"In this audio file, we will listen to two examples of how the pattern of a stonemason's work is unique. First, we will listen to Reginald Kilgore tell about his style that follows the style of his father who taught him. Second interview is with Dee Smith, who talks about her grandfather Paul Harris's work that can be seen all over DeKalb.\n\nDeKalb History Center Collection","//www.youtube.com/embed/QOTkmnTOgDo","QOTkmnTOgDo","QOTkmnTOgDo.jpg",{"_177":691,"_179":692,"_181":693,"_183":694,"_185":695},1906,"Stonemason's Work as a Signature with Reginald Kilgore and Dee Smith (Audio Only)","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2F31dfgdk0jrnry0su9m3tyvlup74z","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2F31dfgdk0jrnry0su9m3tyvlup74z?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2F31dfgdk0jrnry0su9m3tyvlup74z?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2F31dfgdk0jrnry0su9m3tyvlup74z?variant=desktop","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2F31dfgdk0jrnry0su9m3tyvlup74z?variant=lqip",1567,"//www.youtube.com/embed/5-MX7ljYx58","5-MX7ljYx58","5-MX7ljYx58.jpg",{"_177":702,"_179":703,"_181":704,"_183":678,"_185":705},1902,"https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fu6gd78z8bxuj6yck2oo5h28z579k","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fu6gd78z8bxuj6yck2oo5h28z579k?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fu6gd78z8bxuj6yck2oo5h28z579k?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fu6gd78z8bxuj6yck2oo5h28z579k?variant=lqip",548,"lithonia-first-united-methodist","Lithonia First United Methodist ",{"_34":663,"_66":664,"_75":665},{"_34":775,"_66":776,"_75":777},556,"

The town of Lithonia was established in 1856, about a decade after the Georgia Railroad was constructed through this community. Early settlers established agricultural farms of varying sizes – some were wealthy enough to hold enslaved people. In the 1850 census, the community’s white population was 456 people. Of the 106 heads of households, 40 were listed as enslavers of a total of 168 enslaved people. After the Civil War, industry shifted away from agriculture and toward the natural resource of granite. People quarried as early as the 1860s, but the first commercial quarry opened in 1879, and Lithonia quickly established itself as the center of the granite industry in Georgia.

With the growth in the granite industry, many immigrated from Europe for work. Among those who immigrated to work in the quarrying business were John Keay “Jack” Davidson, who came from Aberdeen, Scotland, in 1888. He settled in Lithonia and started the Davidson Granite Company in 1895. In the 1970s, the Davidson family donated over 500 acres of Arabia Mountain and surrounding land to DeKalb County to be turned into a nature preserve. This is now part of the Arabia Mountain Heritage Area.

In 1910, the First Lithonia United Methodist Church was built. It featured the local stone called gneiss that makes Lithonia unique, and was designed by a Lithonia architect - John Parks Almand. This church is thought to have been built as a reminder of Davidson’s home in Aberdeen, Scotland. ",[723,724,725,726,727],"Explore Lithonia’s origins from a pre–Civil War farming community to Georgia’s granite capital, shaped by industry, immigration, and landmarks like Arabia Mountain.","The town of Lithonia was established in 1856, about a decade after the Georgia Railroad was constructed through this community. Early settlers established agricultural farms of varying sizes – some were wealthy enough to hold enslaved people. In the 1850 census, the community’s white population was 456 people. Of the 106 heads of households, 40 were listed as enslavers of a total of 168 enslaved people. After the Civil War, industry shifted away from agriculture and toward the natural resource of granite. People quarried as early as the 1860s, but the first commercial quarry opened in 1879, and Lithonia quickly established itself as the center of the granite industry in Georgia. With the growth in the granite industry, many immigrated from Europe for work. Among those who immigrated to work in the quarrying business were John Keay “Jack” Davidson, who came from Aberdeen, Scotland, in 1888. He settled in Lithonia and started the Davidson Granite Company in 1895. In the 1970s, the Davidson family donated over 500 acres of Arabia Mountain and surrounding land to DeKalb County to be turned into a nature preserve. This is now part of the Arabia Mountain Heritage Area. In 1910, the First Lithonia United Methodist Church was built. It featured the local stone called gneiss that makes Lithonia unique, and was designed by a Lithonia architect - John Parks Almand. This church is thought to have been built as a reminder of Davidson’s home in Aberdeen, Scotland. ",[721,722,707],{"_75":719,"_149":-5,"_150":720},[],"3.png","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fiozcbsounwumd825ytzla2gsoga9?variant=desktop","new-stop-1776977417467","lithonia-first",{"_107":768,"_103":24,"_149":-5,"_159":-5,"_160":-5,"_162":-5,"_164":719,"_166":769,"_34":770,"_169":-5,"_170":-5,"_171":-5,"_172":-5,"_174":-5,"_75":719,"_176":-5},{"_107":755,"_103":188,"_149":756,"_159":-5,"_160":757,"_162":758,"_164":759,"_166":760,"_34":761,"_169":-5,"_170":-5,"_171":-5,"_172":173,"_174":-5,"_75":762,"_176":758},{"_107":746,"_103":157,"_149":-5,"_159":-5,"_160":-5,"_162":-5,"_164":747,"_166":748,"_34":749,"_169":-5,"_170":-5,"_171":-5,"_172":-5,"_174":-5,"_75":747,"_176":-5},{"_107":737,"_103":370,"_149":-5,"_159":-5,"_160":-5,"_162":-5,"_164":738,"_166":739,"_34":740,"_169":-5,"_170":-5,"_171":-5,"_172":-5,"_174":-5,"_75":738,"_176":-5},{"_107":728,"_103":85,"_149":-5,"_159":-5,"_160":-5,"_162":-5,"_164":729,"_166":730,"_34":731,"_169":-5,"_170":-5,"_171":-5,"_172":-5,"_174":-5,"_75":729,"_176":-5},1614,"Lithonia 1.jpg",{"_177":732,"_179":733,"_181":734,"_183":735,"_185":736},1951,"https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2F8fkdt0xfwu48aid298i72aotov7v","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2F8fkdt0xfwu48aid298i72aotov7v?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2F8fkdt0xfwu48aid298i72aotov7v?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2F8fkdt0xfwu48aid298i72aotov7v?variant=desktop","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2F8fkdt0xfwu48aid298i72aotov7v?variant=lqip",1612,"Big Ledge.png",{"_177":741,"_179":742,"_181":743,"_183":744,"_185":745},1949,"https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fjjurlv172gbe40i4m4va1nuolbfk","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fjjurlv172gbe40i4m4va1nuolbfk?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fjjurlv172gbe40i4m4va1nuolbfk?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fjjurlv172gbe40i4m4va1nuolbfk?variant=desktop","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fjjurlv172gbe40i4m4va1nuolbfk?variant=lqip",1613,"Quarry.png",{"_177":750,"_179":751,"_181":752,"_183":753,"_185":754},1950,"https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2F0s5lcoe5zp25huoug9h896vt01tr","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2F0s5lcoe5zp25huoug9h896vt01tr?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2F0s5lcoe5zp25huoug9h896vt01tr?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2F0s5lcoe5zp25huoug9h896vt01tr?variant=desktop","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2F0s5lcoe5zp25huoug9h896vt01tr?variant=lqip",1610,"The History of the Davidson family of Lithonia with Hamilton McDonald. \n\nFilmed by Eddy Anderson \nEddy Anderson Collection, DeKalb History Center.","//www.youtube.com/embed/G05VX_Lnb-s","G05VX_Lnb-s","G05VX_Lnb-s.jpg",{"_177":763,"_179":764,"_181":765,"_183":766,"_185":767},1947,"The History of the Davidson family of Lithonia with Hamilton McDonald","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fm1id3mssp63947arm9u8xkzy7z7b","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fm1id3mssp63947arm9u8xkzy7z7b?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fm1id3mssp63947arm9u8xkzy7z7b?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fm1id3mssp63947arm9u8xkzy7z7b?variant=desktop","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fm1id3mssp63947arm9u8xkzy7z7b?variant=lqip",1611,{"_177":771,"_179":772,"_181":773,"_183":720,"_185":774},1948,"https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fiozcbsounwumd825ytzla2gsoga9","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fiozcbsounwumd825ytzla2gsoga9?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fiozcbsounwumd825ytzla2gsoga9?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fiozcbsounwumd825ytzla2gsoga9?variant=lqip",540,"redan","Redan",{"_34":706,"_66":707,"_75":708},{"_34":853,"_66":854,"_75":855},"1581 Rice Rd, Lithonia, GA 30058, USA","

Redan traces its beginnings to the mid 1800s, when land was donated to build the Georgia Railroad. A small station, first called McCarter’s Station and later Woodville Station, was built alongside the railroad.

The origin of the name “Redan” remains uncertain. Several sources online state that it is an amalgamation of names, but there is a lack of evidence in this claim.

A few of Redan’s earliest homes still stand today. By 1885, William P. Johnson, along with his brother-in-law, John M. Floyd, operated a general store and a cotton mill. The home remains, and is recognizable as the large two-story granite house with a porch at 1817 Stone Mountain-Lithonia Road. The general store has since been torn down, and the mill was located in the wooded property behind the home and store.

Following the Civil War, Redan was a farming community largely owned by white landowners, with many Black families living in Redan as sharecroppers. Despite their statuses as renters, Black residents still established churches, schools, and cemeteries.

Like many communities across the South, Redan’s history includes racial violence and discrimination that continued at least into the late 1800s.

In 1887, a violent mob lynched Reuben Hudson – without due process – after he was being accused of assaulting a white woman. He was seized at the railroad station, dragged in front of Johnson’s store, and hanged in the wooded area near the property. This lynching was documented in great detail in several newspapers all across the country. Today, these newspaper reports, with names and locations of numerous other victims of so-called “Judge Lynch,” are some of the only surviving records of these violent acts. In recent years, organizations such as the Equal Justice Initiative have worked to document, memorialize, and educate communities about the history of racial injustice. Through the Community Remembrance Project, historic markers have been installed in communities to acknowledge lynchings. Reuben Hudson and three other victims were recognized in a marker located in Lithonia and in front of the DeKalb County Courthouse in Decatur. Installed in 2021, the Lithonia marker was stolen in 2024.

You can learn more here

A century later, racial tension rose in Redan because of the school system and growing demographic changes. In 1983, DeKalb schools proposed constructing a new school in Redan, known as “Redan II,” to relieve overcrowding at Redan High School. This new school was intended to house students in 8th and 9th grades. This plan was controversial because it took place during ongoing federal court supervision over school desegregation. Opponents argued that building a new school in Redan could reinforce, or worsen, racial segregation. Parents argued that the new Redan II school would be majority Black with Redan High School remaining majority white.

The second school was opened as Miller Grove High School in 1985, though not without naming controversy. Miller Grove is named after a historic Black Community near the school. The original Miller Grove School, a school for Black children, was burned in the 1930s. According to legend, the burning of Miller Grove School happened the same night as Flat Rock and County Line Schools.

",33.74469815925746,-84.13702614927368,[795,796,797,798,799],"Discover Redan’s history from its railroad origins to a farming community shaped by segregation, racial violence, and resilience, including the legacy of Reuben Hudson and evolving schools.","Redan traces its beginnings to the mid 1800s, when land was donated to build the Georgia Railroad. A small station, first called McCarter’s Station and later Woodville Station, was built alongside the railroad. The origin of the name “Redan” remains uncertain. Several sources online state that it is an amalgamation of names, but there is a lack of evidence in this claim. A few of Redan’s earliest homes still stand today. By 1885, William P. Johnson, along with his brother-in-law, John M. Floyd, operated a general store and a cotton mill. The home remains, and is recognizable as the large two-story granite house with a porch at 1817 Stone Mountain-Lithonia Road. The general store has since been torn down, and the mill was located in the wooded property behind the home and store. Following the Civil War, Redan was a farming community largely owned by white landowners, with many Black families living in Redan as sharecroppers. Despite their statuses as renters, Black residents still established churches, schools, and cemeteries. Like many communities across the South, Redan’s history includes racial violence and discrimination that continued at least into the late 1800s. In 1887, a violent mob lynched Reuben Hudson – without due process – after he was being accused of assaulting a white woman. He was seized at the railroad station, dragged in front of Johnson’s store, and hanged in the wooded area near the property. This lynching was documented in great detail in several newspapers all across the country. Today, these newspaper reports, with names and locations of numerous other victims of so-called “Judge Lynch,” are some of the only surviving records of these violent acts. In recent years, organizations such as the Equal Justice Initiative have worked to document, memorialize, and educate communities about the history of racial injustice. Through the Community Remembrance Project, historic markers have been installed in communities to acknowledge lynchings. Reuben Hudson and three other victims were recognized in a marker located in Lithonia and in front of the DeKalb County Courthouse in Decatur. Installed in 2021, the Lithonia marker was stolen in 2024. You can learn more here A century later, racial tension rose in Redan because of the school system and growing demographic changes. In 1983, DeKalb schools proposed constructing a new school in Redan, known as “Redan II,” to relieve overcrowding at Redan High School. This new school was intended to house students in 8th and 9th grades. This plan was controversial because it took place during ongoing federal court supervision over school desegregation. Opponents argued that building a new school in Redan could reinforce, or worsen, racial segregation. Parents argued that the new Redan II school would be majority Black with Redan High School remaining majority white. The second school was opened as Miller Grove High School in 1985, though not without naming controversy. Miller Grove is named after a historic Black Community near the school. The original Miller Grove School, a school for Black children, was burned in the 1930s. According to legend, the burning of Miller Grove School happened the same night as Flat Rock and County Line Schools. ",[793,776,794],{"_75":790,"_149":791,"_150":792},[],"Redan School, 1915. ","Mr. Wagoner and Miss Lucile Finney, Teachers\nIdentified Students: \nBottom Row:\nGrace Holt, Catherine Johnson, Buna Loy Wellborn, Gene Philips, Menlo McMichael, Floy Gresham, Lucy D (unknown last name), Pauline Mathews, Mary Holt, J. B. Gresham, Ruby Nolan, Cleo Nelms.\n\nTop Row:\nCarl Harris, Frank Philips, Charlie Philips, Laudie Johnson, Coe McMichel Lewis Mathews, Roy Walden & Mr. Wagoner","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2F5o3hdhvg3dq5p0mqq3ehz3szmoo9?variant=desktop","new-stop-1775502865582","redan-co",{"_107":845,"_103":24,"_149":791,"_159":202,"_160":-5,"_162":-5,"_164":846,"_166":847,"_34":848,"_169":206,"_170":207,"_171":-5,"_172":-5,"_174":208,"_75":790,"_176":-5},{"_107":833,"_103":188,"_149":111,"_159":202,"_160":834,"_162":835,"_164":836,"_166":837,"_34":838,"_169":206,"_170":207,"_171":-5,"_172":-5,"_174":208,"_75":839,"_176":835},{"_107":822,"_103":157,"_149":823,"_159":202,"_160":-5,"_162":-5,"_164":824,"_166":825,"_34":826,"_169":206,"_170":207,"_171":-5,"_172":-5,"_174":208,"_75":827,"_176":-5},{"_107":811,"_103":157,"_149":812,"_159":202,"_160":-5,"_162":-5,"_164":813,"_166":814,"_34":815,"_169":206,"_170":207,"_171":-5,"_172":-5,"_174":208,"_75":816,"_176":-5},{"_107":800,"_103":370,"_149":801,"_159":202,"_160":-5,"_162":-5,"_164":802,"_166":803,"_34":804,"_169":206,"_170":207,"_171":-5,"_172":-5,"_174":208,"_75":805,"_176":-5},1608,"WPA built Redan Elementary School. Building is still in use today as part of Redan Elementary School. \nRainey Collection, DeKalb History Center. ","Redan WPA.png",{"_177":806,"_179":807,"_181":808,"_183":809,"_185":810},1946,"Redan Elementary School, C. 1936 ","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fpdmr8vzby5wdbke7qaujn3y6uham","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fpdmr8vzby5wdbke7qaujn3y6uham?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fpdmr8vzby5wdbke7qaujn3y6uham?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fpdmr8vzby5wdbke7qaujn3y6uham?variant=desktop","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fpdmr8vzby5wdbke7qaujn3y6uham?variant=lqip",1607,"This building was built in 1935 by J.W Johnson (John William Johnson (1878-1961). Postmaster and operator of a general store. John William was nephew of William P Johnson, mentioned earlier, who also operated a store, decades earlier. ","Redan Post Office.png",{"_177":817,"_179":818,"_181":819,"_183":820,"_185":821},1945,"Redan Post Office, circa 1980s","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fvcijpgp4c8hg0arqs0mygoadl6r5","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fvcijpgp4c8hg0arqs0mygoadl6r5?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fvcijpgp4c8hg0arqs0mygoadl6r5?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fvcijpgp4c8hg0arqs0mygoadl6r5?variant=desktop","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fvcijpgp4c8hg0arqs0mygoadl6r5?variant=lqip",1566,"Millers Grove School, ca 1930s. \n\n Maurice Arnold, family collection; DeKalb History Center. ","Millers Grove school, Lithonia, from Maurice Arnold, from his family collection; see also subject file, Education, High School, for Miller Grove HS.jpeg",{"_177":828,"_179":829,"_181":830,"_183":831,"_185":832},1901,"Millers Grove school, Lithonia. (ca 1930s) ","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2F7w1fk72xgd19rrwqom5yasjx3c83","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2F7w1fk72xgd19rrwqom5yasjx3c83?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2F7w1fk72xgd19rrwqom5yasjx3c83?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2F7w1fk72xgd19rrwqom5yasjx3c83?variant=desktop","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2F7w1fk72xgd19rrwqom5yasjx3c83?variant=lqip",1550,"//www.youtube.com/embed/reAa4_UoF3M","reAa4_UoF3M","reAa4_UoF3M.jpg",{"_177":840,"_179":841,"_181":842,"_183":843,"_185":844},1885,"Olitha Reid Redan (audio only)","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fjhwry4r5ghv3mqcf89vrymfgvgkc","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fjhwry4r5ghv3mqcf89vrymfgvgkc?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fjhwry4r5ghv3mqcf89vrymfgvgkc?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fjhwry4r5ghv3mqcf89vrymfgvgkc?variant=desktop","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fjhwry4r5ghv3mqcf89vrymfgvgkc?variant=lqip",1551,"Redan School Pre 1937.png",{"_177":849,"_179":850,"_181":851,"_183":792,"_185":852},1886,"https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2F5o3hdhvg3dq5p0mqq3ehz3szmoo9","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2F5o3hdhvg3dq5p0mqq3ehz3szmoo9?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2F5o3hdhvg3dq5p0mqq3ehz3szmoo9?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2F5o3hdhvg3dq5p0mqq3ehz3szmoo9?variant=lqip",544,"chapel-first-baptist-church-scottdale","Chapel First Baptist Church, Scottdale ",{"_34":775,"_66":776,"_75":777},{"_34":284,"_66":1005,"_75":1006},"371 7th Ave, Scottdale, GA 30079, USA","

While the Scottdale Mill Village housed white workers, the Black families located to the east of the tracks on the hillier, less desirable land. You might also notice today driving through, many of the lots are in low lying areas. Although some Black residents found work at the mill, they were largely excluded from skilled positions. In response, the community developed its own economic and cultural identity.

Early Black churches were established: St Stephen’s AME (date unknown) and Chapel First Baptist (1887, rebuilt in 1948), which is the grey church behind you. Like other Black communities in DeKalb in the early nineteenth century, education was provided by churches. A Rosenwald school*, called the Avondale Colored School, was built for Black children in 1924, the same year the white Scottdale Elementary School was built. It opened with 62 pupils and five faculty members; by 1940 it extended to the eleventh grade. *Rosewald Schools were grant funded schools, funded by Julius Rosewald for the building of African American schools primarily in rural communities.

In 1944, DeKalb County operated 17 schools for Black students. Despite the court ruling of \"separate but equal” in Plessy v. Ferguson (1896), Black schools in the county often lacked basic necessities compared to their white counterparts. Beginning in 1950, DeKalb attempted to modernize and consolidate Black schools while maintaining segregation; the county constructing six new modern and up-to-date schools.

In 1955, Hamilton High School opened and replaced the Avondale Colored School. It was named after Mrs. Maude Hamilton-Dawson, the school’s first principal. It was the first school in DeKalb County to be named in honor of an African American citizen. Hamilton

Across the street, Robert Shaw Elementary also opened in 1955. Robert Shaw was a local farmer in Scottdale who donated his land for the school. In an area once described as lacking recreational opportunities, these schools became centers for student and community life.

Both schools closed in 1969, as part of court-ordered desegregation of the DeKalb County School System. The closure of only the Black schools in DeKalb County was part of a larger strategy, and according to historian Charles C. Bolton, “School desegregation plans often called for the closing of Black schools or the alteration of their identities as Black schools in order to allay White fears about their children going to schools in Black neighborhoods.

Scottdale would never be the same without the schools. Robert Shaw School was reopened by DeKalb County in 1998, and today operates as Robert Shaw Traditional Theme School.

Many places in Scottdale are named after Tobie Grant (1887-1968). Born in Atlanta, she and her husband, Julian Grant, purchased land in what was then called Meadow Brook. That development was marketed exclusively to Black buyers in the late 1910s and lots sold quickly. The Grants purchased dozens of lots and established a farm, as did other buyers. Farming was not their only business. Tobie's claim to fame was fortune-telling. From the second floor of her home in Scottdale, she advised businessmen and women on love and marriage, and was even consulted by the police in missing persons cases. Her business thrived, and at one point she saw 40-50 visitors a day – these clients were usually white. She was featured in 1926 with a full-page spread in the Atlanta Journal: “Tobie Solves all Atlanta Mysteries.” It shouldn’t be a surprise, then, that Tobie Grant Lane appeared as a street name in a 1925 plat map for Eskimo Heights (the next large-scale property development in Scottdale after Meadow Brook). In 1960, Tobie donated 40 acres to the Scottdale community for a recreation center and library.

",[871,872,873,874,875,876,877,878,879,880,881,882],"Explore Scottdale’s Black history: churches, schools, segregation-era challenges, and the legacy of Tobie Grant in shaping community identity and resilience.","While the Scottdale Mill Village housed white workers, the Black families located to the east of the tracks on the hillier, less desirable land. You might also notice today driving through, many of the lots are in low lying areas. Although some Black residents found work at the mill, they were largely excluded from skilled positions. In response, the community developed its own economic and cultural identity. Early Black churches were established: St Stephen’s AME (date unknown) and Chapel First Baptist (1887, rebuilt in 1948), which is the grey church behind you. Like other Black communities in DeKalb in the early nineteenth century, education was provided by churches. A Rosenwald school*, called the Avondale Colored School, was built for Black children in 1924, the same year the white Scottdale Elementary School was built. It opened with 62 pupils and five faculty members; by 1940 it extended to the eleventh grade. *Rosewald Schools were grant funded schools, funded by Julius Rosewald for the building of African American schools primarily in rural communities. In 1944, DeKalb County operated 17 schools for Black students. Despite the court ruling of \"separate but equal” in Plessy v. Ferguson (1896), Black schools in the county often lacked basic necessities compared to their white counterparts. Beginning in 1950, DeKalb attempted to modernize and consolidate Black schools while maintaining segregation; the county constructing six new modern and up-to-date schools. In 1955, Hamilton High School opened and replaced the Avondale Colored School. It was named after Mrs. Maude Hamilton-Dawson, the school’s first principal. It was the first school in DeKalb County to be named in honor of an African American citizen. Hamilton Across the street, Robert Shaw Elementary also opened in 1955. Robert Shaw was a local farmer in Scottdale who donated his land for the school. In an area once described as lacking recreational opportunities, these schools became centers for student and community life. Both schools closed in 1969, as part of court-ordered desegregation of the DeKalb County School System. The closure of only the Black schools in DeKalb County was part of a larger strategy, and according to historian Charles C. Bolton, “School desegregation plans often called for the closing of Black schools or the alteration of their identities as Black schools in order to allay White fears about their children going to schools in Black neighborhoods. Scottdale would never be the same without the schools. Robert Shaw School was reopened by DeKalb County in 1998, and today operates as Robert Shaw Traditional Theme School. Many places in Scottdale are named after Tobie Grant (1887-1968). Born in Atlanta, she and her husband, Julian Grant, purchased land in what was then called Meadow Brook. That development was marketed exclusively to Black buyers in the late 1910s and lots sold quickly. The Grants purchased dozens of lots and established a farm, as did other buyers. Farming was not their only business. Tobie's claim to fame was fortune-telling. From the second floor of her home in Scottdale, she advised businessmen and women on love and marriage, and was even consulted by the police in missing persons cases. Her business thrived, and at one point she saw 40-50 visitors a day – these clients were usually white. She was featured in 1926 with a full-page spread in the Atlanta Journal: “Tobie Solves all Atlanta Mysteries.” It shouldn’t be a surprise, then, that Tobie Grant Lane appeared as a street name in a 1925 plat map for Eskimo Heights (the next large-scale property development in Scottdale after Meadow Brook). In 1960, Tobie donated 40 acres to the Scottdale community for a recreation center and library. ",[869,870,854],{"_75":866,"_149":867,"_150":868},[],"Chapel First Baptist Church, Scottdale. ","Established in 1897, Sanctuary rebuilt in 1948. ","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fwmvua0emyvtqn0b2qcsaqb5v2ofj?variant=desktop","new-stop-1775504185445","chapel-first-baptist-church",{"_107":997,"_103":24,"_149":867,"_159":202,"_160":-5,"_162":-5,"_164":998,"_166":999,"_34":1000,"_169":206,"_170":207,"_171":-5,"_172":-5,"_174":208,"_75":866,"_176":-5},{"_107":985,"_103":188,"_149":111,"_159":202,"_160":986,"_162":987,"_164":988,"_166":989,"_34":990,"_169":206,"_170":207,"_171":-5,"_172":-5,"_174":208,"_75":991,"_176":987},{"_107":974,"_103":157,"_149":975,"_159":202,"_160":-5,"_162":-5,"_164":976,"_166":977,"_34":978,"_169":206,"_170":207,"_171":-5,"_172":-5,"_174":208,"_75":979,"_176":-5},{"_107":963,"_103":370,"_149":964,"_159":202,"_160":-5,"_162":-5,"_164":965,"_166":966,"_34":967,"_169":206,"_170":207,"_171":-5,"_172":-5,"_174":208,"_75":968,"_176":-5},{"_107":952,"_103":85,"_149":953,"_159":202,"_160":-5,"_162":-5,"_164":954,"_166":955,"_34":956,"_169":206,"_170":207,"_171":-5,"_172":-5,"_174":208,"_75":957,"_176":-5},{"_107":941,"_103":347,"_149":942,"_159":202,"_160":-5,"_162":-5,"_164":943,"_166":944,"_34":945,"_169":206,"_170":207,"_171":-5,"_172":-5,"_174":208,"_75":946,"_176":-5},{"_107":932,"_103":335,"_149":-5,"_159":-5,"_160":-5,"_162":-5,"_164":933,"_166":934,"_34":935,"_169":-5,"_170":-5,"_171":-5,"_172":-5,"_174":-5,"_75":933,"_176":-5},{"_107":921,"_103":500,"_149":922,"_159":202,"_160":-5,"_162":-5,"_164":923,"_166":924,"_34":925,"_169":206,"_170":207,"_171":-5,"_172":-5,"_174":208,"_75":926,"_176":-5},{"_107":912,"_103":404,"_149":884,"_159":202,"_160":-5,"_162":-5,"_164":913,"_166":914,"_34":915,"_169":206,"_170":207,"_171":-5,"_172":-5,"_174":208,"_75":888,"_176":-5},{"_107":903,"_103":310,"_149":884,"_159":202,"_160":-5,"_162":-5,"_164":904,"_166":905,"_34":906,"_169":206,"_170":207,"_171":-5,"_172":-5,"_174":208,"_75":888,"_176":-5},{"_107":894,"_103":272,"_149":884,"_159":202,"_160":-5,"_162":-5,"_164":895,"_166":896,"_34":897,"_169":206,"_170":207,"_171":-5,"_172":-5,"_174":208,"_75":888,"_176":-5},{"_107":883,"_103":136,"_149":884,"_159":202,"_160":-5,"_162":-5,"_164":885,"_166":886,"_34":887,"_169":206,"_170":207,"_171":-5,"_172":-5,"_174":208,"_75":888,"_176":-5},1606,"Hamilton High School is now Hamilton Recreation Center. ","Hamilton Lockers.png",{"_177":889,"_179":890,"_181":891,"_183":892,"_185":893},1942,"(former) Hamilton High School Interior, 2026. ","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fnw9r8hhk2cy1it38nljagts1plim","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fnw9r8hhk2cy1it38nljagts1plim?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fnw9r8hhk2cy1it38nljagts1plim?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fnw9r8hhk2cy1it38nljagts1plim?variant=desktop","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fnw9r8hhk2cy1it38nljagts1plim?variant=lqip",1603,"Hamilton Lunch.png",{"_177":898,"_179":899,"_181":900,"_183":901,"_185":902},1943,"https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fxgzq0de80taty6ontm43jznp4q67","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fxgzq0de80taty6ontm43jznp4q67?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fxgzq0de80taty6ontm43jznp4q67?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fxgzq0de80taty6ontm43jznp4q67?variant=desktop","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fxgzq0de80taty6ontm43jznp4q67?variant=lqip",1602,"Hamilton Gym.png",{"_177":907,"_179":908,"_181":909,"_183":910,"_185":911},1941,"https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2F693yub50py118o4db4onvag51pym","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2F693yub50py118o4db4onvag51pym?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2F693yub50py118o4db4onvag51pym?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2F693yub50py118o4db4onvag51pym?variant=desktop","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2F693yub50py118o4db4onvag51pym?variant=lqip",1604,"Hamilton Front.png",{"_177":916,"_179":917,"_181":918,"_183":919,"_185":920},1940,"https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fe6wpxy6cd9lcc1d10drafnxq9dp4","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fe6wpxy6cd9lcc1d10drafnxq9dp4?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fe6wpxy6cd9lcc1d10drafnxq9dp4?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fe6wpxy6cd9lcc1d10drafnxq9dp4?variant=desktop","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fe6wpxy6cd9lcc1d10drafnxq9dp4?variant=lqip",1642,"DeKalb History Center Archives. ","Avondale Colored School Outside.png",{"_177":927,"_179":928,"_181":929,"_183":930,"_185":931},1974,"Avondale Colored School, c. 1940s. ","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fqd30lvaxicj4o6dtxk1a3zk8zsej","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fqd30lvaxicj4o6dtxk1a3zk8zsej?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fqd30lvaxicj4o6dtxk1a3zk8zsej?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fqd30lvaxicj4o6dtxk1a3zk8zsej?variant=desktop","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fqd30lvaxicj4o6dtxk1a3zk8zsej?variant=lqip",1565,"Avondale Colored School - Pre 1950.jpg",{"_177":936,"_179":937,"_181":938,"_183":939,"_185":940},1900,"https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fpr2ojnl9op8wupnyxkgxs2nvqjuh","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fpr2ojnl9op8wupnyxkgxs2nvqjuh?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fpr2ojnl9op8wupnyxkgxs2nvqjuh?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fpr2ojnl9op8wupnyxkgxs2nvqjuh?variant=desktop","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fpr2ojnl9op8wupnyxkgxs2nvqjuh?variant=lqip",1601,"March 31 1915, Atlanta Journal. ","Meadow Brook lots for sale, March 31 1915 Atlanta Jounral .png",{"_177":947,"_179":948,"_181":949,"_183":950,"_185":951},1938,"Meadow Brook lots for sale","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fv8eicmp4jifvh2inyt9vz1ysp6ym","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fv8eicmp4jifvh2inyt9vz1ysp6ym?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fv8eicmp4jifvh2inyt9vz1ysp6ym?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fv8eicmp4jifvh2inyt9vz1ysp6ym?variant=desktop","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fv8eicmp4jifvh2inyt9vz1ysp6ym?variant=lqip",1564,"August 1926, Atlanta Journal. ","Tobie Grant Solves ATL mysteries, 4.8.26 Atlanta Journal .png",{"_177":958,"_179":959,"_181":960,"_183":961,"_185":962},1899,"Tobie Grant Solves Atlanta Mysteries. ","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fsqkhb929u84ulje6i5nh9iqanw7r","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fsqkhb929u84ulje6i5nh9iqanw7r?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fsqkhb929u84ulje6i5nh9iqanw7r?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fsqkhb929u84ulje6i5nh9iqanw7r?variant=desktop","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fsqkhb929u84ulje6i5nh9iqanw7r?variant=lqip",1563,"Plat Map for Meadow Brook, Scottdale. DeKalb History Collection. ","Plat Map for Meadow Brook.jpg",{"_177":969,"_179":970,"_181":971,"_183":972,"_185":973},1898,"Plat Map for Meadow Brook #1, 1915. ","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Ffjbi1jzoaznid260gkbjp36shyw2","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Ffjbi1jzoaznid260gkbjp36shyw2?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Ffjbi1jzoaznid260gkbjp36shyw2?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Ffjbi1jzoaznid260gkbjp36shyw2?variant=desktop","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Ffjbi1jzoaznid260gkbjp36shyw2?variant=lqip",1562,"Plat Map for Meadow Brook, Scottdale. DeKalb History Center Collection. ","Plat Map for Eskimo.jpg",{"_177":980,"_179":981,"_181":982,"_183":983,"_185":984},1897,"Plat Map for Meadow Brook #2 ","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fblzdzbzoutzsc7u7l7ctxj1jfx1v","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fblzdzbzoutzsc7u7l7ctxj1jfx1v?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fblzdzbzoutzsc7u7l7ctxj1jfx1v?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fblzdzbzoutzsc7u7l7ctxj1jfx1v?variant=desktop","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fblzdzbzoutzsc7u7l7ctxj1jfx1v?variant=lqip",1561,"//www.youtube.com/embed/4F62rAQ3NXs","4F62rAQ3NXs","4F62rAQ3NXs.jpg",{"_177":992,"_179":993,"_181":994,"_183":995,"_185":996},1896,"Scottdale Memories, 1995. ","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fwyd995t1x9lmqlpxco8e7kvoz4im","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fwyd995t1x9lmqlpxco8e7kvoz4im?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fwyd995t1x9lmqlpxco8e7kvoz4im?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fwyd995t1x9lmqlpxco8e7kvoz4im?variant=desktop","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fwyd995t1x9lmqlpxco8e7kvoz4im?variant=lqip",1605,"4.png",{"_177":1001,"_179":1002,"_181":1003,"_183":868,"_185":1004},1944,"https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fwmvua0emyvtqn0b2qcsaqb5v2ofj","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fwmvua0emyvtqn0b2qcsaqb5v2ofj?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fwmvua0emyvtqn0b2qcsaqb5v2ofj?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/georgia-humanities/v4/public/media/georgia-humanities%2Fwmvua0emyvtqn0b2qcsaqb5v2ofj?variant=lqip","scottdale-mill-and-village","Scottdale Mill and Village ",{"_34":853,"_66":854,"_75":855},"3002 Newfield Way, Scottdale, GA 30079, USA","

We recommend pulling off of Ponce onto Longmeadow Drive.

Look over to the empty field facing E. Ponce de Leon Avenue and the railroad. For 81 years, this was the site of Scottdale Mill.

Scottdale was an unincorporated mill town. Scottdale Mills, a prime example of Southern industrial development, operated from 1901 to 1982. Typical for this industry, a “village\" community was built for the workers by the mill owners to ensure their workforce was nearby.

The mill was constructed by George W. Scott Investment Company; Scott also founded Agnes Scott College. The site spanned 115 acres, fronting the Georgia Railway. The mill building was designed by Kramer & Co. from Charlotte, NC, an experienced mill architecture firm. When it opened, the factory would operate 10,000 spindles and 350 looms.

Like many Southern textile mills of the era, Scottdale Mills employed both men and women. Skilled positions were held predominantly by white workers, who rented the company-provided village houses. Black families lived on the other side of the railroad tracks - we’ll discuss that neighborhood at our next stop.

Take a look around at the houses and buildings that still form the historic village. In addition to worker housing, there was a meeting space, daycare (419 Aldridge), and a health clinic (411 Aldridge). The company store and post office once stood on Ponce, directly in front of the mill. A new health clinic opened on Patterson Street in 1953, operated by the DeKalb County Healh Department. The clinic provided free services and was open to Black adn white residents of Scottdale, Clarkton, and Medlock. The clinic was in a remodled home, owned, remodled, and furnished by Scottdale Mills.

Many of the homes in this area are single-story and built on piers. By the 1930s, many homes had enclosed their foundations, which improved heat retention in the winter. The homes were rented to employees for .25 cents per month. There were three, four, and six-room residences, all with 12-foot ceilings, picture molding, wainscoting, coal fireplaces and wood stoves. Homes were single-family residences or duplexes.

They were not built with indoor plumbing. Bathrooms were added in the 1950s. You can see many of these bathroom additions on the backs of the homes today. The entire village consisted of eight dirt roads and small lots. In addition to the community center, it also featured a green space, including a baseball field and Ingleside Presbyterian Church.

By the 1920s, the community was thriving, and Scottdale Elementary School (1924) was built on the corner of Laredo Drive and E. Ponce de Leon Avenue. This school was demolished in 1980.

The mill provided sponsored activities with the Scottdale Mill Baseball team. The baseball team played from the 1930s until the 1940s. The Scottdale Mill team played against other mill teams in the area.

During World War II, the mill was contracted by the government to provide fabric for the war effort. In 1955, the mill houses were sold to employees. Many of the streets were renamed, eliminating names associated with the Scott family.

In the decades that followed, a number of economic and international factors caused a general decline in domestic textile production, and this factory closed its doors in 1982. It remained abandoned until it was demolished in 1998.

","

We recommend pulling off of Ponce onto Longmeadow Drive.

",33.78866902423602,-84.26679976278328,[1025,1026,1027,1028,1029,1030,1031,1032,1033,1034,1035],"Scottdale Mills, a prime example of Southern industrial development, operated from 1901 to 1982. Typical for this industry, a “village\" community was built for the workers by the mill owners to ensure their workforce was nearby. ","We recommend pulling off of Ponce onto Longmeadow Drive. Look over to the empty field facing E. Ponce de Leon Avenue and the railroad. For 81 years, this was the site of Scottdale Mill. Scottdale was an unincorporated mill town. Scottdale Mills, a prime example of Southern industrial development, operated from 1901 to 1982. Typical for this industry, a “village\" community was built for the workers by the mill owners to ensure their workforce was nearby. The mill was constructed by George W. Scott Investment Company; Scott also founded Agnes Scott College. The site spanned 115 acres, fronting the Georgia Railway. The mill building was designed by Kramer & Co. from Charlotte, NC, an experienced mill architecture firm. When it opened, the factory would operate 10,000 spindles and 350 looms. Like many Southern textile mills of the era, Scottdale Mills employed both men and women. Skilled positions were held predominantly by white workers, who rented the company-provided village houses. Black families lived on the other side of the railroad tracks - we’ll discuss that neighborhood at our next stop. Take a look around at the houses and buildings that still form the historic village. In addition to worker housing, there was a meeting space, daycare (419 Aldridge), and a health clinic (411 Aldridge). The company store and post office once stood on Ponce, directly in front of the mill. A new health clinic opened on Patterson Street in 1953, operated by the DeKalb County Healh Department. The clinic provided free services and was open to Black adn white residents of Scottdale, Clarkton, and Medlock. The clinic was in a remodled home, owned, remodled, and furnished by Scottdale Mills. Many of the homes in this area are single-story and built on piers. By the 1930s, many homes had enclosed their foundations, which improved heat retention in the winter. The homes were rented to employees for .25 cents per month. There were three, four, and six-room residences, all with 12-foot ceilings, picture molding, wainscoting, coal fireplaces and wood stoves. Homes were single-family residences or duplexes. They were not built with indoor plumbing. Bathrooms were added in the 1950s. You can see many of these bathroom additions on the backs of the homes today. The entire village consisted of eight dirt roads and small lots. In addition to the community center, it also featured a green space, including a baseball field and Ingleside Presbyterian Church. By the 1920s, the community was thriving, and Scottdale Elementary School (1924) was built on the corner of Laredo Drive and E. Ponce de Leon Avenue. This school was demolished in 1980. The mill provided sponsored activities with the Scottdale Mill Baseball team. The baseball team played from the 1930s until the 1940s. The Scottdale Mill team played against other mill teams in the area. During World War II, the mill was contracted by the government to provide fabric for the war effort. In 1955, the mill houses were sold to employees. Many of the streets were renamed, eliminating names associated with the Scott family. In the decades that followed, a number of economic and international factors caused a general decline in domestic textile production, and this factory closed its doors in 1982. It remained abandoned until it was demolished in 1998. ",[1022,1023,1024,1005],{"_75":1019,"_149":1020,"_150":1021},[],"Scottdale Mills Memories with David Scott. (audio only)","Interview with David Scott, former VP of Scottdale Mills. Interviewed 2012. 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