Adairsville Welcome Center and Rail Depot Museum
Welcome Center Website: www.adairsvillewelcomecenter.com
Rail Depot Museum Wesite: www.adairsvilledepot.com
Hours: Tue. - Fri. from 10am - 5pm
Living in this "Norman Rockwell" kind of town is a must for anyone who loves history, antiquing and good food! Adairsville, was the first Georgia town to be listed in its entirety on the National Register of Historic Places (December 1987). Although the beginnings of Adairsville has been the historical belief in the past, recent research has shown that the town did not begin in the Oothcalooga Valley, but right where it is located today. Mr. Watts bought the land where Public Square sits today in 1836 because he knew that the railroad was going to be built and Mr. Watt's land was halfway between Atlanta and Chattanooga, the ends of the railroad. The Adairs lived in Oothcalooga Village, a Cherokee town. The Cherokees were not removed until 1838. Mr. Watts had already started surveying his land and laying out the Square by that time. Oothcalooga Village and a later town. Adair Station were eventually abandoned after the depot was finished here on the Square and the trains did not stop here regularly until the early 1960's.
The town's genesis was as a small village named in honor of Chief John Adair, a Scottish settler who married a Cherokee Indian girl. The railroad which lies at the center of town was central to its development. Land which was owned by William Watts was in the direct path of the Western and Atlantic Railroad's expansion to Chattanooga.
Watts' home was built around the foundation of an Indian cabin, high on a hill overlooking the present-day town of Adairsville. He deeded land to the railroad and then surveyed business lots. The depot was completed in 1847 and Adairsville grew quickly as mills, blacksmiths and hotels opened around the town square. The town continued to prosper, becoming known as the "Granary of the State," and was incorporated in 1854.
Watts' home was built around the foundation of an Indian cabin, high on a hill overlooking the present-day town of Adairsville. He deeded land to the railroad and then surveyed business lots. The depot was completed in 1847 and Adairsville grew quickly as mills, blacksmiths and hotels opened around the town square. The town continued to prosper, becoming known as the "Granary of the State," and was incorporated in 1854.
The Civil War brought much action to Adairsville, including the Gravel House Battle (May 17, 1864) and the Great Locomotive Chase (April 12, 1862). The Chase is probably the war's best known escapade, made famous by a Walt Disney movie of the same name. Each fall, the Great Locomotive Chase Festival, a three-day celebration is held in remembrance of the event (first weekend each October). Today, residence and visitors can see the original depot which witnessed the pursuit of the steam locomotive General. The 1847 Railroad Depot is home to the Adairsville Welcome Center. Operated by the City of Adairsville, the center.
Today, many of the pre-Civil War homes and churches stand alongside fine Victorian examples in the 170-acre historic district. Explore tree-lined streets and marvel at the interesting notes shared by residents in the Adairsville Tour of Homes.
Just 5 miles outside Adairsville is Barnsley Gardens Resort. Romanticism envelopes this 1840's estate. Englishman Godfrey Barnsley patterned his estate after the visions of Andrew Jackson Downing, the architect who designed the grounds of the U.S. Capitol & White House. Surviving is a rare view of the antebellum South where heirloom gardens surround the once grand manor house. Today guests can retreat to 70 luxurious suites in 33 cottages. Top off a restful night with a scrumptious meal at the Woodlands Grill or the Rice House restaurant, treat yourself to a signature spa treatment, and play for par on the challenging Fazio-designed golf course.
Hopkins Farm PO Box 1048, Adairsville, Georgia 30103