1830-1860
1860-1865
1865-1880
1880-1900
1900-1920
1920-1945
1945-Present

This site is powered by

New Directions 1920-1945

After several attempts to secure a new county, the city fathers were successful in bringing the issue before the State Legislature. In August of 1920, the representatives of Barnesville went by train to Atlanta to await the vote. The monies had been paid and the vote was taken. It was defeated narrowly. The men came back to Barnesville that evening on the down train and held a town meeting. After "passing the hat," the men returned to Atlanta the next morning. Another meeting took place with the "Committee" and the issue was called to a vote again. This time the bill passed creating the new County of Lamar. The county seat was to be Barnesville. The eastern portion of Pike County and the western portion of Monroe County were to make up the new county. The historic vote was held locally on August 17, 1920. The new county would begin operating as a legal entity on January 1, 1921. The M. W. Smith building across from the depot housed the county offices and court was held in the third floor ballroom. The area was leased from the Pinta Lodge #88. Business was conducted here until the courthouse was completed in 1931. The courthouse was designed by Eugene C. Wachendorff of Atlanta, architect, and built by the Barnesville Planing Mill. The cornerstone was laid in 1931 by the Pinta Lodge #88. The Pinta Masonic Lodge #88 is the oldest continuously operating organization in Barnesville. It was chartered in 1849 and has continued to be an active and positive force in promoting and supporting the community. It has had meeting space in several historic buildings within the district.

The Great Depression (1929-1941) was difficult for all communities including Barnesville. Many people were out of work and as businessmen drew near retirement age, many firms dissolved. The New Deal Era (1933-1943) brought many government programs to help the people and the city. One of these, the WPA brought work to many local men. A golf course was laid out, bridges were built, and streets were paved in town. The brass WPA markers can still be seen in the middle of the streets that were paved under Roosevelt's WPA program.

In August of 1938, President Franklin D. Roosevelt came to town via train to literally "throw the switch" to begin the electrification of rural America. The REA (Rural Electrification Administration) was Roosevelt's pet project and he chose Barnesville as the site to turn on the electricity. Thousands of people came to town to see and hear the President. The ceremony took place on a specially constructed, raised platform at Summers Field. The switch pulled in Barnesville sent electricity over the wires into rural homes in four counties.

World War II (1941-1945) brought the "Barnesville Blues" into action again. This local unit began at the time of secession (1861). In times of peace, it would de-activate and in times of war would become active-and begin to train again. The "Blues" always served with honor and distinction. The last commanding officer, Brigadier General Homer Sappington, had the honor of having the present National Guard unit in Barnesville named after him. When the men came back from World War II, the land beyond Gordon College was laid off and offered to the veterans for $10.00 per lot if they would agree to build a home on the lot. After completion of the home, they would be given a deed to the lot. This provided needed housing and created local construction jobs.