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City of Conyers

1184 Scott Street
770-483-4411

History Of Conyers:

The history of Conyers and Rockdale County is diverse and dates back over ten thousand years. Early natives known as "The Mound Builders" were one  of many groups who visited Rockdale's gentle hills, lakes and streams. Muc later, the Creek and Cherokee Nations shared a common border, the "Great Indian Road" ,now known as Hightower Trail in northern Rockdale. In the early 1800s, this trail was a main route for white settlers moving inland after the American Revolution.

The earliest settlement occurred in the extreme northern edge of the county. The southern end of the county was settled as Scots and Scotch-Irish began moving up along the rivers and streams from what is now Henry County. These early families founded numerous churches including Smyrna Presbyterian in 1827, the oldest Calvinist Campground in the United States

The first known settler of Conyers was blacksmith John Holcomb, who built a log cabin where the County Courthouse now stands on Main Street. Holcomb protested against the coming of the railroad, but eventually sold his land for $700 to Dr. W.D. Conyers, a banker from nearby Covington. Dr. Conyers deeded right-of-way to the railroad and the village of Conyers Station was born.

By 1845, trains were running regularly between Marthasville (now Atlanta) and Augusta. In 1854, the village had grown to 400 residents and was incorporated as a town called "Conyers".

The City has been destroyed at least partially by fire three times. However, during General Sherman's March to the Sea in November 1864, at least one mill was left standing thanks to the cunning of its owner Aunt Winnie Pucket. Before the Union soldiers arrived at Costley's Mill, Aunt Winnie sacked all the flour and hid the sacks in the millpond. The wet flour caked and protected the rest. Miraculously, Aunt Winnie's pleas and threats convinced the soldiers to leave her mill alone.

Conyers was home to the prosperous mill community known as Milstead. The Village of Milstead, located two miles north of Olde Town Conyers, was once home to Milstead Manufacturing Company, later known as Callaway Mills. In its day it was a bustling, closely-knit, industrial town located on the banks of the Yellow River.

Conyers has now grown to 10,000 residents and Rockdale County to over 70,000. It is a combination of small town and big city, of rural scenes and urban shopping. The population now reflects many nationalities, races and religions. Most of all, the community reflects an amazing legacy of progress, involvement and society where everyone has contributed and everyone feels a sense of belonging.