Newnan, Georgia: An Under-the-Radar Destination for History Lovers

Family travelers might find it hard to believe Newnan, Georgia, a historic and classic Southern-style city with less than 45,000 residents, sits just 40 miles from Atlanta. With architecture dating before the Civil War and six historic districts on the National Register of Historic Places, Newnan is a history lover’s dream.

Should you find yourself in Newnan, allocate time to visit these four fascinating spots:

Coweta County Courthouse

Newnan lies in Coweta County and is home to Coweta County Courthouse. Built in 1904, this classic revival building was home to the notorious Murder in Coweta County trial in 1948, in which a wealthy landowner killed a sharecropper tenant. The courthouse dome is covered with 13,500 pounds of copper and visitors can even catch a glimpse inside the courtroom.

© Explore Newnan-Coweta

Bonnie Castle

Purported one of the most haunted places in the area, Bonnie Castle is available to rent via Airbnb. The castle was constructed in 1896 and draws history buffs and fans of the paranormal to its grounds.

Carnegie Library

As the oldest surviving Carnegie Library in Georgia, it continually brings locals and visitors within its historic walls. In fact, the library is still a place to check out books, magazines and newspapers.

Sprayberry’s Barbecue

Even restaurants in Newnan hold some history. First opened in 1926 in a gas station, Sprayberry’s expanded into a full-fledged restaurant as diners flocked to enjoy delicious meals. The restaurant is most famous for its Brunswick stew, a meal originally canned in World War II and sent to soldiers overseas.