Learn More About Jonesboro, Georgia
Jonesboro, Georgia
Jonesboro is the county seat of Clayton County in the state of Georgia. It is a small city of about 4,700 people and is made up of 13 neighborhoods. It covers an area of approximately 2.6 miles, according to the United States Census Bureau.
The present-day Jonesboro was originally known as Leaksville, founded in 1823. From 1836, the small rural community witnessed a series of events that would impact positively on its growth and prosperity. The Monroe Road and Banking Company emerged in Macon, Georgia around that period and began the construction of a railroad whose tracks would extend to Leaksville in 1843. However, the bankruptcy of Monroe Railroad forced construction to be halted the following year. The Macon and Western Road Company was organized in 1845 to complete the railroad to Atlanta for commencement of regular rail service.
Jonesboro took its present name after Colonel Samuel Goode Jones, a railroad official who was said to have taken special interest in the growth of the community. Jones was said to have used his engineering expertise to lay new streets there. This contributed to make residents to decide to rename their village after him around 1845. Initially, the name was spelled as Jonesborough. The town had grown to become a prosperous community when it was incorporated in 1859. The railroad helped it to become an important commercial center for Fayette, Henry and Clayton counties.
The population of the town almost doubled between 1870 and 1880, rising from 531 to 1,048. The number of people living in Jonesboro was estimated at 4,746 in 2015. A significant portion of those living here are young people. About 39 percent were not older than 24 years as of 2000, while about two-thirds of the population was under 45 years. In 2010, the per capita income in Jonesboro was estimated at $13,715, which fell in low income category.
The city was the venue of the Battle of Jonesboro, considered the most important engagement of the Georgia Campaign during the Civil War. The loss of the battle, which marked a key point in the history of the United States, led to the surrender of Atlanta, which was then an influential munitions center for the Confederacy. Visitors to the city may have the opportunity to learn more about its historic past and involvement in the Civil War.
Jonesboro has for long been a community that values education. The first local academy, Leakesville Academy, was established in 1823. Classes were disrupted during the War, but resumed immediately after it ended. The Middle Georgia College, from which Jonesboro High School emerged, was established in 1880.
Lee Street Park located in the center of the Jonesboro Downtown District is a major facility for family fun and entertainment in the city. The 5.7-acre park features modern playground equipment, pavilion, an amphitheater and a market area among other amenities. There are rules in place to ensure everyone that comes around here have a pleasant experience.
Jonesboro offers a wonderful community for individuals who places high value on that small-town feel. Real estate here is also not as expensive as in so many other places across the nation.
