Phone: 770-463-3377
Fax: 770-463-2890
Email: info@citypalmetto.com
Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Palmetto is proud to host the Old Campbell County Historical Society in the Train Depot at 549 Main Street, and appreciates all they do to help maintain the city's Local History Museum.
Palmetto, as we know it today, was first established as Johnson's Store in Coweta County on May 8, 1833, at which time Mr. John H. Johnson was appointed the first postmaster. The name was changed from Johnson's Store to Palmetto on December 8, 1847. The community was located in Campbell County sometime during the period of 1850 to 1851.
The town of Palmetto was chartered by a State Legislative Act approved on February 18, 1854. The name is said to have been conferred upon this community by a company of South Carolina Soldiers enroute to the Mexican War. They said the community reminded them of their state, the "Palmetto State". The following residents were named as the first commissioners: Willis P. Menefee, Samuel Swanser, James J. Beall, Ruben Millsapps, and John M. Edwards. The town existed as an unincorporated community for several years prior to the date of the charter. Campbell County was abolished and on January 1, 1932 Palmetto became part of Fulton County.
Palmetto is located 25 miles south of Atlanta on U.S. Highway 29 and on the Atlanta and West Point railroad. The railroad was completed from Atlanta to Palmetto in 1851 and extended to West Point, Georgia two or three years later. Palmetto is located on the highest point above sea level between Atlanta and New Orleans. the railroad is built on a water shed divide. All water falling east of the railroad flows into the Flint River and all water falling west of the railroad flows into the Chattahoochee River.
The history of Palmetto is filled with many historical events. From its beginning Palmetto has experienced many years of prosperity and achievements.