Discover Woolsey's History
Friends of Historic Woolsey is dedicated to preserving, honoring, and sharing Woolsey’s history for future generations. Named for Dr. Isaac Gray Woolsey, a minister, doctor, farmer, landowner, and philanthropist, Woolsey, originally known as Woolseyville, was once a thriving community.
At its heyday, Woolsey included a train depot, school, bank, post office, jail, blacksmith shop, cotton gin, peach packing plant, general store, church, and other businesses. The Atlanta Hawkinsville Railroad carried cotton, peaches, and other crops north to Atlanta. President Franklin D. Roosevelt was also a frequent passenger through Woolsey on his way to Warm Springs.
Today, our focus is preserving Historic Woolsey Church, Historic Woolsey Cemetery, the historic grounds, and the century old oak trees that define this special landscape. Through partnerships with local government, businesses, community members, donors, and preservation supporters, we are working to protect and share Woolsey’s architectural, natural, and cultural heritage.
Woolsey’s story is also a story of family, community, and memory. Dr. Woolsey’s vision helped establish the community and the landmarks we cherish today. Generations later, Georgia Writers Hall of Fame inductee Dr. Ferrol Sams Jr., who grew up nearby, captured the traditions, folklore, customs, and memories of this rural community in works such as Run with the Horsemen and Christmas Gift!
We are proud to honor these legacies by continuing the work Dr. Woolsey began more than a century ago, ensuring the history, stories, and unique sense of place that make Woolsey special endure for generations to come.
From the Mayor of Woolsey, Georgia
After seeing how the restoration of the old mercantile store revitalized the identity of Woolsey, I'm truly thrilled to see the same level of care and effort now being put into restoring Historic Woolsey Church. The building sits at the heart of our town, and bringing it back to its original, vibrant state will not only strengthen Woolsey's identity but also deepen the connection among all who call this community home.
Preserving this church is deeply important to me—not only as a piece of our shared history but as a way to honor the Woolsey family and the vision they had when they founded this town so long ago. It's now up to all of us to carry that legacy forward—to maintain our small-town character, protect our sense of community, and preserve this historic centerpiece so future generations can gather here with pride and purpose.
Ron Smith
Mayor, Town of Woolsey
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