Barnesville: Discover History and Culture

If you’re looking for a hotel in Barnesville, historic buildings, a walking tour, or an annual festival can shape your trip. The city is associated with its history as the “Buggy Capital of the South”: carriages for presidents were made in Barnesville. Today, tours, buildings, and events offer different ways to learn about the town.

Historic Homes and Business Districts

The Barnesville Walking Tour takes you past Victorian homes, charming shops, and picturesque residential neighborhoods. Some of the houses along the tour date back to the 19th century. One stop is a house at the corner of Thomaston Street and Rose Avenue. It was built in 1870 by the daughter of Barnesville founder Gideon Barnes. The tour thus connects different residential neighborhoods with a building whose construction year and builder are specifically identified.

The Barnesville Commercial Historic District is a historic central business district. It includes historic commercial buildings, warehouses, institutional buildings, depots, and a church. Those interested in the area’s historic architecture will find here the commercial and institutional character of the historic center, alongside the residential streetscapes featured on the walking tour.

Architecture and Art

A distinctive building in the historic setting is the Barnesville Depot. Listed on the National Register, the brick building is designed in the Mission style. Its architectural features include a tile roof, widely overhanging eaves, a curved gable, and large knee braces. These details give the depot a different appearance from the homes on the walking tour.

The Carnegie Library of Barnesville is designed in the Georgian style and was designed by Whitfield & King. It is listed on the National Register as significant in the areas of education, architecture, and social history. The restored 1910 Carnegie Library is home to Cara Studios. The studio showcases lively paintings, poetry, artifacts, and a sculpture garden. Historic tours and garden tours are available by appointment; confirm your appointment before visiting.

There are also murals, antique shops, and stores in the city center. Individual shops and artworks may change. Together with the walking tour, they offer a picture that includes both historic homes and shops and art in the city center.

Plan Events and Activities

Buggy Days is an annual festival in downtown Barnesville. Dates change from year to year. Peaches to the Beaches is also an annual tradition: the route covers more than 200 miles along Highway 341 from Barnesville to the Georgia coast. Dates change for this event as well, and participating vendors vary from year to year. The two events therefore differ in scope: Buggy Days takes place downtown, while Peaches to the Beaches covers a long route between Barnesville and the coast. Check the dates and current vendor participation when planning your trip.

The Gordon State Challenge Course offers the community an opportunity to develop leadership and teamwork skills. High and low elements combine intensive learning experiences with a unique adventure and challenge participants to step outside their comfort zone. You must book the course at least four weeks in advance through the Continuing & Professional Education Office. Confirm booking details before you arrive.

Getting There and Staying

Barnesville is west of Interstate 75; the drive from the interstate takes about 15 minutes. This estimated driving time is a guideline and may vary depending on traffic. When choosing a hotel in Barnesville, you can plan your search dates around a specific festival or a planned visit to a historic site. If the Challenge Course is part of your plans, also allow for the required advance booking time.

For the broader travel overview: Lamar County.