History:

The land known today as Monroe County was acquired in 1821 from the Creek Indians. By use of the lottery system, it was soon occupied by a large number of small landowners. These new settlers held religion, education, and self government in high regard. By 1830, eight educational academies were chartered here, and the first unit of the Congregational Methodist Church was established in 1852.

One of the early highlights in Monroe County's history was the completion of the first railroad line in the State of Georgia to carry both freight and passengers. The 26-mile route running from Forsyth to Macon eased the transportation of cotton and supplies between farmer and market and also carried passengers. The line was later extended to Atlanta, then know as Terminus. This rail line has played a critical role in the development of Forsyth and Monroe County since its creation and continues today.

As the 1860's progressed, so did the conflicts between the North and the South. Men turned away from farming to join the War, leaving the management and farm work to the women and the slaves. As the battles continued, Monroe County became a center of care to the sick and wounded.

In the wake of Sherman's march to destroy Georgia, the breadbasket of the Confederacy, the wounded had to be moved to safety. Forsyth was the first hospital base, and after the battles in Atlanta, Stone Mountain and Jonesboro, the numbr of injured soldiers escalated to nearly 20,000. Every available shelter was used: the courthouse, the Monroe Female College, the Hilliard Institute, the old Lumpkin Hotel, stores, and even private homes. Eventually, tent hospitals had to be constructed to handle the multitude of wounded soldiers.