Indian Springs is the oldest established community in Butts County, predating the founding of the county by many years. Once home to members of the Creek Indian Nation, the area was known as far back as 1717 and was noted for the life giving elements of its sulphur spring by the Indian tribes which camped there in large numbers.
The community got its start in the early 1820s, when the Indian Springs Hotel was built by General William McIntosh. This historic building still stands today, due to the heroic efforts of the Butts County Historical Society, the County Government and others committed to its preservation.
Indian Springs was incorporated as a city in 1837; the name was later changed in 1866 by the Georgia Legislature to McIntosh, Georgia, but this was subsequently reversed in 1900. The county’s first newspaper, The Indian Springs Echo began here and was published for many years as a weekly newspaper.
For many decades, Indian Springs was a major Georgia tourist destination, boasting a number of fine hotels, casinos, gaming areas. stores and the nation’s first state park. It drew people from all over the south who came in search of the mysterious, restorative waters that still flow today from the mineral springs in the park.
Although no longer an incorporated city, Indian Springs remains a strong, viable community that had undergone a rebirth over the last decade, primarily due to a number of major attractions: Indian Springs State Park, Dauet Trails Nature Center, the Indian Springs Holiness Campground and the Village at Indian Springs. The Village features many small shops including the Big Chief Store where you can find a variety of local souvenirs and food items; Mrs. Lee’s, featuring homemade fudge as well as a variety of ice cream; art galleries and beautiful weekend cottages to stay and enjoy it all.
In 2017, the State of Georgia broke ground on a new Conference Facility within the state park that will be large enough to seat 500 people at tables. When it opened in late 2017, it added greatly to the venues already in use for numerous weddings held throughout the year, something Indian Springs is becoming known for throughout the state. The rendering of the event center is pictured below
To find out more about the State Park, the Village at Indian Springs and Dauset Trails Nature Center, click on the following links below:
Jackson-Butts County Georgia 