History

Rockdale County was created from parts of Henry and Newton counties. It was the 133rd county created, and was named after the Rockdale Church, as well as the vein of granite running beneath the county.

One of the first battles over Prohibition was fought in Rockdale County.

Conyers, the county seat and the only incorporated municipality in Rockdale County, was named for a local physician who donated a right-of-way for the first railroad and a lot in town for the railway depot.

Points of Interest

The Monastery of the Holy Ghost was founded in the county in 1944 by a group of monks who practice self-sufficiency, cultivating their own food. Visitors are welcomed at church services and in the greenhouse and gift shop, although some areas are off-limits to women.

The Panola Mountain State Conservation Park was Georgia's first conservation park. Near the center of the 617 acre park is a 100 acre granite monadnock often compared to Stone Mountain. The park has been designated a National Natural Landmark by the National Park Service.

Most of downtown Conyers, both the residential and business districts, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, as well as the Dial Mill (1830) and the first Rockdale County Jail (1897).

The city of Conyers is also home to the Georgia International Horse Park, site of the 1996 Olympic Equestrian events.

Notable Citizens

Academy Award winning actress, Holly Hunter is from Conyers. Hunter's list of movies include Raising Arizona , The Piano and Fargo

Annual Events

There are a number of annual festivals and events held in Conyers, including the Cherry Blossom Festival, St. Patrick's Day Parade, and Olde Town Fall Festival.

Monastery of Our Lady of the Holy Spirit

Georgia International Horse Park, Conyers