Of Fayetteville, GA
 

Fayetteville was formed in 1821, becoming the county seat of the 49^th original county in the state, and an epicenter of trade and commerce for the Atlanta area. Its history includes the siege of July 29, 1864, when the Union army led by General Edward M. McCook ransacked the town, taking prisoners and looting the community.  The courthouse, saved by the diversionary tactics of Lawyer Tidwell, avoided being burnt to the ground, and stands on its original spot to this day.

Take a Walk Through the Past
Fayette County Historical Society

http://www.historyfayettecoga.org/

(770)716-6020

The vandalizing and destruction of property caused by this infamous invasion was inspiration to Margaret Mitchell, who used her heritage and family experiences to write the epic Gone With The Wind. Philip Fitzgerald, Mitchell´s great grandfather, settled in the Fayetteville area in the 1830´s. The Fitzgeralds were immortalized as the O´Haras in her novel. The Margaret Mitchell Library is a museum commemorating this novelist as well as a unique exhibit of Civil War memorabilia and genealogical records.  Another of Fayetteville´s must sees is the Holliday-Dorsey-Fife house, home to John Stiles, the uncle of western gun slinger and gambler "Doc" Holliday. 

Fayetteville rebounded from the Civil War and went on to become incorporated as a city in 1889, a year after the Atlanta/Fort Valley railroad was completed and en route through the town.  The Confederate Captain William P. Redwine became the first mayor, and among its original councilmen were S.D. Dorsey, J.W. Graham, T.F. Garrison, S.A. Burks, and M.E. Hill.   

Famous Residents of Fayetteville
Margaret Mitchell and John Stiles are but a few of the well known residents who have lived in the Fayetteville area. You may recognize some of the more modern day personages below that have made Fayette County their home. Come see what makes our stars shine! Visit our Visitor´s page for hotel rates and area dining. Browse our local listings to find the perfect place for you!