Griffin, GA

Known as "The Iris City," Griffin, Georgia (founded in 1840) has grown from a railroad industry boom town to a bustling suburb of Atlanta. As the scenic county seat of Spalding County, it has been featured in a number of blockbuster movies, including The Fighting Temptations and Driving Miss Daisy.

The city of Griffin has an area of more than 14 square miles. Its climate is extremely temperate; due to the city's latitude, it receives very little snow, and the warm climate is one of the main attractions in this small city.

With a motto of "Griffin ... Great and Growing," it should come as no surprise that Griffin is constantly experiencing an increase in population. The relaxed lifestyle, exceptional schools, and steady industry and commerce are responsible for making Griffin a popular place to live.

Approximately 22,000 people reside in the city of Griffin, most of whom are white or African-American.

ECONOMY AND INDUSTRIES

Some of the leading industries in the city are manufacturing, retail, educational, health and social services. The unemployment rate for Griffin is 8.6 percent. Top employers in Griffin include Springs Industries Inc., the Griffin-Spalding School System, the Nacom Corp., Spalding Regional Medical Center and Carter's Inc.

Even though Griffin is a "bedroom community" to Atlanta, there are many businesses that thrive in the area, which is partly due to a five-phase streetscape beautification process. This extensive project to improve the roadways of Griffin has helped solidify its reputation for being both attractive and safe.

NEIGHBORHOODS AND DISTRICTS

The city has a mostly urban population of 23,500. Estimated rural population in the city is only about 380. The city accommodates around 9,670 houses with 3,840 houses occupied. Renters occupy around 5,060 houses and owners occupy about 3,840 houses.

More than 10 percent of the housing units in Griffin are over 60 years old. The majority of residential properties are single-family detached homes, accounting for nearly three quarters of all housing units. The number of multi-family units has increased since 1990 and now accounts for roughly 24 percent of all housing.

Downtown Griffin is a remarkably preserved historic district that recently completed a streetscape beautification project. The area offers shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. The Griffin Downtown Council sponsors Taste of Downtown twice a year, a Fourth of July Parade and fireworks, Iris City Beauty Pageants, a Christmas open house, and an antique arts and crafts fair each October.

EDUCATION

The University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences has one of its three campuses in Griffin. Research at the Griffin campus focuses on urban agriculture.

BEST BETS

Camp Stephens Confederate Camp: During the American Civil War, this camp was used to train militia companies. Today it is a particularly interesting stop on the Griffin Downtown historic walking tour.

Confederate Camp Milner: Now known as Griffin's Municipal Park, Confederate Camp Milner was originally named for prominent Spalding County businessman Ben Milner. In 1898, Camp Milner's moniker was changed to Camp Northern in honor of Gov. W.J. Northern.

First Baptist Church: Built in the mid-19th century, this house of worship held church services regularly throughout the Civil War. Then, for a period after the war, the church was used as a hospital. The pipe organ contained in this historically significant building is notable, as it contains about 2,000 pipes.

First United Methodist Church: This church boasts a magnificent Bell Tower, which houses the original First United Methodist Church's bells as well as some chimes. The Bell Tower has been refurbished to preserve its standing as a place of historical significance.

Griffin Downtown: The Griffin-Spalding Chamber of Commerce and the Griffin Downtown Council/Main Street Office have spent years revitalizing the historic center of this city. Visitors can take a planned walking tour of Historic Griffin that includes sites such as the antebellum Spalding County Courthouse, built in 1859.

Hawkes Library: Also known as the Hawkes Free Children's Library, this library is notable because it features the architecture of renowned Atlanta-based architect Neel Reid.

The Oakfuskee Path: This former trade route was originally used by the Creek Indians to migrate from Alabama to the Griffin area. Eventually European settlers moved to the area and began using the route as well. There is a lot of historical significance to this particular path.

Old Medical College Historical Area: Noted on the National Register of Historic Places, the Old Medical College Historical Area is home to many attractions. Most notably, the Griffin Medical College building is reputed to be one of only a handful of pre-American Civil War college structures that still stand in the city.

Sam Bailey Building: Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Sam Bailey Building is Griffin's oldest public school building. It was built in 1870 and named in honor or Sam Wesley Bailey, a prominent banker. Over the years, the school has grown and is now known as Griffin High School. The Sam Bailey Building has since been connected to other Griffin High School campus buildings.

Spalding County Courthouse: This structure, located at the intersection of Broadway and Fifth Street, was constructed in 1859. At that time, it was adjacent to the railroad tracks. It was eventually converted into a jail. Today it is the home of the Spalding County Extension Service and 4-H Offices.

St. George's Episcopal Church: This structure dates back to the middle of the 1800s and is one of six churches endowed by Gen. Griffin when he founded the city.

Stonewall Confederate Cemetery: This is the burial site of hundreds of Confederate soldiers. On the grounds of the Stonewall Confederate Cemetery is a monument to the Confederates who died during the American Civil War. The monument is flanked by four cannons and includes many historically significant inscriptions.