Spots on the Trail:

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  Explore the History Trail – DC Museum

  In 1995, Douglas County determined that the County’s needs had outgrown the existing courthouse built in 1958. They researched expansion of the courthouse but found that the “fireproof” methodology used for this structure prevented additional floors and reconfiguration. A new location was found, and the previous courthouse was slated for destruction. Members of the Douglas County Travel & History Commission interceded and asked if the building with the unique International Style architecture could be re-purposed as a Historical Museum. The Board of Commissioners were open to the idea. The Douglas County Travel & History Commission members gathered research from the most prominent museums in Atlanta and Universities for guidance. In January of 1999, a presentation was made to the Board of Commissioners to save the building. The vote was in favor of use as a museum and the funds budgeted to demolish were instead used to make needed repairs to the building. The Douglas County Travel & History Commission was also successful in getting the structure on the National Register of Historic Places in September of 2002. A separate corporation was formed to manage the Museum. The DC Museum houses an extensive collection of local historical artifacts and art donated by citizens. Exhibits present local stories from Indigenous people through to recent generations. The building also highlights the period of the building, local authors, and artists.

  12431 Veterans Memorial Hwy.
  Douglasville, GA 30135
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  Chapel Hill Courthouse/Middle Courthouse

  Chapel Hill Courthouse and Middle Courthouse are the only two remaining structures of their kind in Douglas County. These buildings were not “courthouses” in the traditional sense, yet they served various community needs such as polling places for outlying communities, as well as gathering places for social events.

  Chapel Hill Rd.
  Douglasville, GA 30135
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  New Manchester Manufacturing Company

  Sweetwater Creek was used as a power source by the New Manchester Mill workers. Open from 1849 to 1864, New Manchester Mill was one of the most modern structures in the region at the time of creation. This textile cotton mill factory was five stories tall and housed machinery with large belts and pulleys. During the Civil War, Union troops burned the structure to deny the Confederacy access to the area and to the goods manufactured there. Once the mill property became part of the state park, trails were forged and designed to lead hikers to the photogenic ruins. This site is often recognized from the popular “Hunger Games” films.

  1750 Mt. Vernon Rd.
  Lithia Springs, GA 30122
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  Simpson & Daughters Mortuary

  The mortuary is at the site of the old Hutcheson High School building. Constructed in 1936, the building served as the only African American school in Douglas County until 1957. The original high school auditorium remains inside the building.

  Hutcheson High School Site
  6787 James D. Simpson Ave.
  Douglasville, GA 30134
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  Basket Creek Cemetery

  With mounds of red clay marking the burial spots in this cemetery, this 123-year-old graveyard is like no other in Georgia. The cemetery has a swept yard with no grass or vegetation. Twice a year, Basket Creek Baptist Church members rebuild the burial mounds — a rooted practice from West Africa.

  Basket Creek Baptist Church
  7289 Capps Ferry Rd.
  Douglasville, GA 30135
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  Vansant Cemetery

  The Vansant family settled in what was known as ‘Skint Chestnut’ (now Douglasville) in 1850. Brothers Young and Reuben were prominent in the establishment of the City of Douglasville. The brothers were given 40 acres that became downtown. They and their wives are buried in the cemetery.

  Corner of Cedar Mountain Rd. & West
  Strickland St.
  Douglasville, GA 30134
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  Pine Mountain Gold Museum

  Pine Mountain Gold Museum is on the site of one of the first known gold mining operations in the United States – circa 1826. An interactive museum tells the story of mining in the area through the early 1900s. Besides the museum, visitors can see actual mining sites, hike nature trails, and pan for gold. Pine Mountain Gold Museum is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and was awarded the Southern Arc’s Best of 2008 “Best Tourist Attraction” and the Carroll County 2009 Preservation Award.

  Stockmar Park
  1881 Stockmar Rd.
  Villa Rica, GA 30180
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  Cultural Arts Center

  Built in 1901, this structure was originally the Roberts-Mozley House. Before it became the Cultural Arts Council of Douglasville/Douglas County in 1986, this structure was home to three Douglasville mayors and a state senator. The two-story, columned Greek Revival-style home is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

  8652 Campbellton St.

  Douglasville, GA 30134

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  Clinton Nature Preserve and The Carnes Cabin

  The Carnes family moved to the area as one of the earliest settlers, and their original 1820s cabin remains. A family descendant – Annie Carnes Clinton – donated the property to Douglas County for use as a nature preserve. Many of the original furnishings are on display at the Douglas County Museum of History and Art.

  8720 Ephesus Church Rd.

  Villa Rica, GA 30180