History

Monroe County was formed in 1821 from Creek Indian land. It is named for President James Monroe, the 5th President of the United States and author of the Monroe Doctrine.

Forsyth, the county seat, is named for John Forsyth, who, as minister to Spain, negotiated the purchase of Florida in 1819. Culloden was named for a Scottish Highlander who opened a store there in 1780. Culloden is also the site of the oldest Methodist church in Georgia.

Points of Interest

High Falls State Park, the Chattahoochee National Forest, and Lake Juliette are located in the county. High Falls used to be the site of a prosperous town that faded away after being bypassed by the railroads.

The Georgia Public Safety Training Center is located in Forsyth.

Juliette, in Monroe County, is home to the Whistle Stop Cafe, made famous by the movie Fried Green Tomatoes. It has become a tourist attraction, and is still serving fried green tomatoes.

Annual Events

Some of the festivals in the county are the Forsythia Festival held every spring to honor the flower, and the Culloden Highland Games and Scottish Festival.

View of Ocmulgee River

Whistle Stop Cafe, Juliette