History

Lamar County was created in 1920 from portions of Monroe and Pike counties and is named for Lucius Quintus Cinncinatus Lamar, a Confederate Army colonel, Secretary of the Interior under Grover Cleveland, and a Supreme Court Justice. It was the 158th county created.

The history of Barnesville includes a period in which the city was designated "Buggy Capital of the World." Around the turn of the century, Barnesville had four buggy companies.

Also of historical note are several homes and buildings in Lamar County. These include the Brown-Kennedy home (1850), Jackson G. Smith home (1870), and Gachet House (1821) which is particularly notable because it was visited by three presidents.

Higher Education

Gordon College

Annual Events

Since its beginnings 20 years ago, the "Barnesville Buggy Days" festival has grown to become one of Georgia's largest community festivals. Held annually the third week in September, the festival attracts more than 50,000 people and features a parade of original Barnesville Buggies and some 200 horses.

Downtown Barnesville

The Barnesville Depot