Category Archives: –FULTON COUNTY GA–

Palmetto: Country Living in Georgia’s Most Populous County

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Sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words, and this one fits the bill for me. This gentleman, who was dropping in to Jack Peek’s Sales [an outdoor and lawn equipment business and a Palmetto landmark itself], didn’t seem too keen on his photograph being made but gave me a friendly wave nonetheless when I told him about my project.

The photograph [made in 2017] sums up the vibe of Palmetto [pop. 5,075 (2021 estimate)], which is a small town at the southern end of Fulton County [pop. 1.065 million (2021 estimate)]. It was originally part of Campbell County, as I’ve already indicated in other posts, but was annexed into Fulton County in 1931. Here, just a hop and a skip away from the world’s busiest airport and some of the most maddening traffic in the country, are beautiful spacious lawns, historic homes that are well-maintained, and streets not crowded with pushy drivers. Oh, and friendly people.

Everyone I met was welcoming and glad I was documenting their hometown, and I even got a quick tour of the town from two Palmetto Police officers, one of whom was a photographer. We had a lively discussion and they were proud of the small town atmosphere they’ve been able to maintain here.

Growth is encroaching from all directions, but somehow Palmetto keeps it simple.

Willis Pentecost Menefee, Father of the Town of Palmetto

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Major* Willis Pentecost Menefee (1814-1855) is considered the founder of Palmetto. His father, George Menefee (1762-1840), of Virginia, served in the Revolutionary War and was granted land in Jackson County, before moving to Talbot County. The elder Menefee is buried on the grounds of his plantation near Collinsworth Methodist Church in Talbot County. Willis Menefee established a plantation** in old Campbell County, near the site of present-day Palmetto and donated land for businesses, schools, parks and the Palmetto Methodist Church and gave all land necessary for the Atlanta and LaGrange Railroad. These gifts led to the creation and subsequent growth of Palmetto, part of Campbell County before its annexation into Fulton County.

This is actually the second resting place of Willis Menefee and his mother, Nancy Collier Menefee (1771-1852). They were originally buried on his plantation but re-interred in the Wayside City Park in downtown Palmetto in 1980.

*-I haven’t been able to locate a military record for Menefee, and therefore do not know whether the title of Major is an honorific or if it indicates actual service. Honorific titles were quite common among the upper class in the 19th century.

**-For descendants seeking slave records related to the Menefee family, I haven’t located any, but due to his status as a planter, he would have almost certainly been involved in this institution.

Neoclassical Revival House, 1920, Palmetto

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This landmark is one of the finest homes in Palmetto, built in a style that was very popular with Southern planters and businessmen in the early 20th century. The Neoclassical style was not only meant to announce wealth but taste and refinement, as well.

Folk Victorian House, 1900, Palmetto

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This is a fine Folk Victorian home, strongly influenced by the ornamental look of the Queen Anne style.

Folk Victorian House, Palmetto

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This home has an overall Victorian appearance and displays the eclecticism common at the turn of the last century. Like most houses I’ve found dates for in Palmetto, the given date of 1920 seems a bit late for the style.

Colonial Revival House, 1901, Palmetto

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In A Field Guide to American Houses, Virginia S. McAlester notes that a small number of Colonial Revival houses were built between 1880-1910, taking a back seat to the wildly popular Queen Anne style. 40% of homes built in the United States between 1910-1930 were Colonial Revival in style. This is a somewhat eclectic example; the arched upper floor windows are really the only external indication of the style.

Dutch Colonial Revival House, 1920, Palmetto

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Dutch Colonial Revival architecture was popular in the early 20th century, though not as common in Georgia as it was in New England and the Upper Midwest. It’s characterized by gambrel roofs, which some say give it a “barn-like” appearance. This is a particularly nice example.

Saddlebag Cottage, Palmetto

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This utilitarian cottage appears to be quite old, though I can’t locate a history or construction date. My best guess as to a date would be 1880-1910. I’ll be posting a few more re-edits from Palmetto over the next day or two and hope to learn more about them.

Queen Anne House, Palmetto

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This is one of the nicest and most visible old houses in Palmetto, due to its central location, and while resources date it to 1920, I feel certain it was most likely built in the late 1800s. A marker placed in 1988 by the Old Campbell Historical Society recognizes it as a significant part of Old Campbell County history.

Eclectic House, Circa 1870, Palmetto

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Here’s another of Palmetto’s Eclectic houses. It’s similar to the one I published in the previous post, with Neoclassical-inspired porch posts and Italianate eave brackets. It’s typical of the charm of this small-town oasis in the population juggernaut that is Fulton County.