LAMAR COUNTY, GA

County Offices
408 Thomaston Street
Barnesville 770-358-5146
https://www.lamarcountyga.com/

Chamber of Commerce
100 Commerce Place
Barnesville 770-358-5884
https://barnesville.org/

Home to the “Buggy Capital of the South,” rural Lamar County provides the charm of country living in close proximity to several leading urban centers. From historic sites and arts and crafts festivals to first-rate amenities like Gordon College, Lamar County excels in quality of life.

Services
While Lamar County draws newcomers to small-town friendliness, the services are first-rate. The Lamar County School District anchors the public educational system, recognized for the integration of technological advancements and teachers that have been featured in national publications for their innovative ideas. This region also hosts the Gordon Youth Sciences Technology Center, serving a five-county region and located on the campus of Gordon College. The center provides a wealth of programs for youth and families, including Water Quality and Conservation, Star Lab, Electricity Studies, and Family Science Nights. Gordon College crowns the educational resources by offering one of the fastest-growing institutions within the University System of Georgia. This residential college provides more than 60 programs of study for thousands of commuting and resident students. In addition to associate programs and certifications, the college provides a limited number of higher-level degrees including a nursing degree in conjunction with the Medical College of Georgia and a master’s degree in education through Georgia Southwestern State University. The sprawling campus covers 200 scenic acres, enriching the entire community and raising the bar of academic excellence.

Three hospitals are located within a 20-minute drive from Lamar County, which is also served by ambulance service contracted through Upson Regional Medical Center. URMC in Thomaston claims a proud history of continued growth and expansion, including an outpatient center, a 20-bed Emergency Services Center, a Women’s Diagnostic Center, and the region’s only full-service health and fitness facility. Committed to the latest technologies, URMC takes a proactive stand in promoting preventative measures and healthy lifestyles through an array of outreach programs. Spalding Regional Medical Center in Griffin provides a respected 160-bed acute-care facility that has been caring for the residents of Spalding, Pike, Lamar, Butts, Fayette and Henry counties for more than 100 years. Recent upgrades include a new Women’s Center with private patient suites and a hotel-like setting. Other specialized hospital services include orthopedics, cardiology, oncology, rehabilitation, and sleep medicine. Monroe County Hospital in Forsyth completes the list, providing the advanced care associated with a larger urban hospital in the patient-centered atmosphere of a community hospital.

Lifestyle
Nearly one-third of the residents of Lamar County reside in Barnesville, the area’s largest municipality and the seat of county government. Known as the “Buggy Capital of the South” since the late 1800s, Barnesville commemorates its rich heritage each year with the Barnesville Buggy Days. This popular event that includes arts and crafts consistently garners the distinction as one of the “Top 20” in the Southeast. Another colorful celebration that draws enthusiastic crowds to Lamar County is the Barnesville BBQ & Blues Festival. History springs to life through out Lamar County, where picturesque byways and country landscapes create the backdrop for treasures from yesterday. Visitors and residents alike enjoy strolling down quaint, quiet streets as they explore attractions like the Old Jail Museum, the Old Train Depot that now serves as the Lamar Arts Gallery, and quaint shops that preserve yesterday’s trades and crafts.

Just 55 miles south of Atlanta and 35 miles north of Macon, Lamar County attracts newcomers to an exceptional quality of life. Tranquil neighborhoods and pristine countryside blend with close proximity to an international airport, professional sports arenas, elegant cultural venues, and a number of institutions of higher education. Residents and planners are dedicated to preserving this rare blend of modern convenience with historic preservation, working together for controlled economic growth of environmentally friendly businesses and industries. Some of the unique attractions in Lamar County include The Rock Ranch, a 1,250-acre working cattle ranch owned by Chick-Fil-A founder S. Truett Cathy. Education tours for all ages, hands-on learning, family fun days, special events, and parties are just a few of the year-round activities at the ranch. The historic jewel, the 1910 Carnegie Library, now serves as the art studio and home of Cara, who restored the building in the 1990s. This artist and poet has created an enchanting, inviting atmosphere for wonderful art shows and performances. Those who are looking for gracious hospitality, country charm, and hometown friendliness will find the ideal place to call home in Lamar County.

COMMUNITY PROFILES

Barnesville

City Offices
770-358-0181
https://www.cityofbarnesville.com/

Chamber of Commerce
770-358-5884
https://barnesville.org/

Nestled in the heart of Central Georgia, the county seat of Barnesville serves as the educational and economic hub of the region. Within an hour’s drive, residents can enjoy the world-class urban amenities in Atlanta. Just 35 miles away, the highly developed urban amenities of Macon are waiting. Celebrated as the “Buggy Capital of the South” for more than 200 years, historic Barnesville honors its past each year with the Barnesville Buggy Days Festival, drawing more than 150 artisans to colorful displays of original work. The Old Jail Museum, the Barnesville Civic Center, a well-stocked library, the community fitness center, an outdoor swimming pool, and a community cultural center are among the municipal amenities. Small but growing rapidly, the city is dedicated to responsive government and quality expansion that preserves the small-town heritage and quality of life that makes Barnesville so appealing. The family-owned corner grocery story contrasts with an international wood products company in this quaint and friendly hometown setting, known for its traditional values and old-fashioned good times.