Fayetteville Turns 200

CELEBRATE JUNE 3 WITH FOOD, FUN, AND FIREWORKS

Established by the State of Georgia on March 28, 1823, Fayetteville is now officially 200 years old, and City staffers are busy planning a huge, summer celebration to mark this special year.

Set for Saturday, June 3, the Bicentennial Celebration will be anchored at City Center Park and will feature a market, live bands, food trucks, walking tours, and more. Satellite celebration locations will include the Old Fayette County Courthouse grounds and Fayetteville City Cemetery.

The evening will culminate with Fayetteville’s sky full of fireworks.

Back in 1823, there was no “Atlanta” yet. That crossroads 20 miles north of Fayetteville would become known as Terminus in 1837 and Marthasville in 1843 before it was named Atlanta in 1847.

When Fayetteville was founded, the United States of America was only 47 years old, and Fayette County, Georgia was only two years old. By the mid-1800s, Fayetteville is said to have had a population of around 100 people.

According to the United States Census, Fayetteville now has more than 19,000 residents within the city limits alone, with tens of thousands more calling it their hometown. More than just a crossroads, Fayetteville is now home to one of the largest regional retail centers in the state, one of the largest movie studio campuses in the nation, and what will become one of the largest data centers in the world. fayetteville-ga.gov/200th

Cover/Top: Women have always played important roles in the history of Fayetteville, but the city’s railroad history was limited, ending in the 1930s, when the rail lines were removed. Right: Looking south from the Courthouse clock tower, year unknown.

All the while, people in this community still enjoy a friendly, small-town atmosphere, a revitalized historic district, and a growing number of events and activities that appeal to residents and guests of every generation.

The June 3 Bicentennial Celebration will be Fayetteville’s biggest community event ever, and you are invited to celebrate with us!

Our thanks and congratulations to our February Employee of the Month award winners! They are Julie Brown from Community & Economic Development, Jason Peckham and David Shriver from the Fire Department.

Most of the women working for the City of Fayetteville gathered March 28 for a photo commemorating Women’s History Month. We are grateful for the contributions women make to our community every day!