Adairsville: Railroad History and Historic Square

Adairsville combines railroad history and culture with parks and a resort location outside town. The Adairsville Historic District covers approximately 170 acres. In December 1987, Adairsville became the first city in Georgia to be listed in its entirety on the National Register of Historic Places. For road travel, the city lies between Atlanta and Chattanooga on Interstate Highway I-75.

Railroad History at Historic Square

The Adairsville Depot dates to 1845. Before the Civil War, it was the center of a major repair facility for the Western and Atlantic Railroad. Today, the Adairsville Depot History Museum and Welcome Center is located in the W&A Railroad Depot at Historic Square. The museum tells the story of Adairsville’s role in the Great Locomotive Chase during the Civil War; a mural at the depot depicts the pursuit of Andrews’ Raiders.

The Adairsville, Georgia Oral History Series produced a 40-part exhibit and accompanying educational programs for the museum and Welcome Center in 2016–2017. The Welcome Center offers free information about Historic Adairsville and neighboring communities in Georgia. Check current visiting options before your trip.

Other cultural sites also contribute to the town’s historic character: the 1902 Stock Exchange is a restored commercial building listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A gallery displays paintings and drawings by artist Skip McNutt. Railroad history, a commercial building, and visual art offer distinct ways to explore the area.

Events, Theater, and Local Cuisine

The Adairsville Depot is the centerpiece of the Great Locomotive Chase Festival. It takes place annually on the first weekend in October; check the specific event dates for your trip. The Public Square Opera House stages six productions each year. Since schedules may change, it’s also worth checking the latest dates here.

Character’s Famous BBQ offers another local flavor: its barbecue is cooked low and slow. The menu and hours of operation may change. Together with the cultural offerings, it provides a range of options—from railroad history and stage productions to regional cuisine.

Parks and Nature Offer a Different Focus

Veterans Memorial Park has a splash pad. Native plants and wildlife find a natural habitat in the Hayes Park Rain Garden. Since the garden’s current condition should be checked locally, it’s a good idea to check local conditions shortly before visiting. These two park features offer a different focus from the historic buildings and events.

Barnsley Resort and Choosing Your Travel Focus

Barnsley Resort is located about five miles outside Adairsville. Its grounds cover 3,000 acres in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Woodlands estate was established in 1841; a large Italianate mansion was built at its center.

Barnsley Resort offers the bookable visitor experience “Manor House Ruins, Gardens & Museum.” Activities listed also include a horseback ride on an equestrian trail, as well as canoeing and kayaking. The spa offers wellness treatments such as massages, aromatherapy, facials, and reflexology. Availability of these resort offerings may change.

When choosing a vacation rental or vacation home, you can first consider what you want your trip to focus on: the town’s railroad history and cultural offerings, or the resort location outside town and its expansive grounds. These are distinct geographical and thematic focuses to consider as you plan.

Discover more destinations: White, Rydal, Cartersville.

Go to the regional travel overview: Bartow.