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Rockdale County History |
The following was transcribed from the 1996-1997 Edition of the CONYERS Southern Directory Phonebook
The land of Rockdale County was first populatd by indians. In fact,
Hightower trail is rumored to have been the boundary line between the Creek
and Cherokee nations. It certainly was a main passageway to the trading
post in Augusta. The early to mid 1800's brought many changes to the territory.The
indians left, leaving a burial ground off Hi Roc Road behinf them. In 1816,
the area was opened to white settlers. The first was said to be a blacksmith,
John Holcombe, who built a log cabin where the Main Street Courthouse now
stands. The town was name Conyers Station in honor of the Covington banker
who purchased the land from Holcombe.
Dr. Conyers then gave right-of-way to the railroad, and by 1845 trains
were running regularly between Marthasville (now Atlanta) and Augusta.
During this time, the town was busy with new development. A settlement
including the Salem Baptist Church grew up around Costley's Mill on Big
Haynes Creek. Today, the Rock Store is the only remnant left. However,
the remains of utter's Mill another industry of the day,serves as an opportunity
for Conyers to preserve a part of its history. As economic activity and
development increased, government formed. In 1854, Conyers was incorporated
as a town with 400 residents. In 1870, Rockdale was formed; and, about
20 years later, a public school system was initiated.