Perhaps you’ve heard Henry County called the Mother of Counties. Its original land stretched far. It reached from near Indian Springs State Park to the Chattahoochee River. Within a year, Henry County birthed eight other counties.
Henry County was created in 1821. The Georgia State Legislature formed it. The land came from the Creek Indian Nation. This followed the First Treaty of Indian Springs. The county is named for Patrick Henry. He was a Revolutionary War patriot.
McDonough is Henry County’s seat. The city was named for Commodore Thomas Macdonough. His victory on Lake Champlain was a brilliant naval exploit. This happened during the War of 1812.
Initially, Henry County was a virgin wilderness. Creeks, trappers, and traders were the only residents. The Creeks left their mark. Place names and small Indian mounds remain. Arrowheads and pottery can still be found.
Jesse Johnson was a first settler of Henry County. He was the great-grandfather of President Lyndon Baines Johnson. Johnson was a prosperous farmer and sheriff. He also served as a judge before moving to Texas.
At the Civil War’s start, Henry was a leading Georgia county. McDonough was a leading town. It produced many goods. It was important to the Confederacy. Sherman’s march included it. Many county records were destroyed.
Henry County has four cities today. These are Stockbridge, McDonough, Hampton, and Locust Grove. Stockbridge is the northernmost city. Martin Luther King Sr. was born there. He also preached his first sermon there.
Hampton was named for Confederate General Wade Hampton. Before that, it was called Bear Creek. The first Atlanta Pop Festival was held in Hampton in 1969. The Atlanta Air Route Traffic Control Center is also in Hampton. It is the nation’s busiest.
Locust Grove got its name from locust trees. They surrounded an early resident’s home. Locust Grove Institute was a college prep school. It was opened in 1894.
Several well-known brands are produced in Henry County. These include Ken’s Salad Dressing and Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ Sauce. Also made here are Behr Paint and Curry & Echols Hot & Salty Pickles.
Shingleroof Campground in McDonough has hosted camp meetings since the 1830s. These ecumenical meetings continue annually. From 1861 to 1865, it served as a Confederate troop mustering ground.
The current Georgia State Flag may have Henry County roots. A similar flag belonged to Col. Charles T. Zachry. He was a Civil War officer and Henry County representative. The flag is housed in the State Capitol Building. It was presented by the Ladies of Henry.
Many films and TV shows have filmed scenes in Henry County. These include Glory, Zombieland, and The Walking Dead. Fast & Furious 7 and The Hunger Games: Catching Fire were also filmed here.
Henry County is more than just a location. It is a place of historical importance. It’s a place of innovation and community. It is a place where the past and present intertwine.