McDonough has a rich history that stretches back to 1823 when it was founded and named after Commodore Thomas MacDonough, an important War of 1812 hero. This small Georgian town conveniently located thirty miles southeast of Atlanta quickly flourished since its inception; soon boasting thriving industries such as blacksmith shops, sawmills, brick makers, and cotton gins, all of which contributed to the socio-economic growth and vibrancy of the city.

McDonough, proudly located thirty miles southeast of Atlanta, is the seat of government for Henry County. Founded on December 17, 1823, McDonough was named in honor of Commodore Thomas MacDonough, a celebrated hero of the War of 1812. The town’s original blocks were centered around the Henry County Courthouse and its main water source, the Big Spring, which served as the first site for the city’s waterworks.

Early businesses in McDonough included blacksmith shops, buggy works, sawmills, brick makers, masons, mills for grinding corn and wheat, and two cotton gins on Griffin Street and Key’s Ferry Street. The town blacksmith was highly valued, providing farm tools and useful articles for the home. In addition, McDonough served as a stop or relay station for the stagecoach line from New York to New Orleans, offering inns and livery stables.

It was in 1921 that Dr. J.G. Smith had the remarkable foresight and ambition to construct a hydroelectric plant on the Big Cotton Indian River to provide electricity to the city for a reasonable rate of $1.50 per month. The town has continued to develop since then, with the addition of the Dowling Textile Manufacturing Company and Hood’s and Carmichael’s hosiery mills. Meanwhile, McDonough is proud to offer its citizens a diverse range of churches, including Assemblies of God, Southern and Independent Baptist, Catholic, Christian, Episcopal, and Lutheran congregations.

Henry County Academy, incorporated in 1824 and operating since 1827, is the cornerstone of the town’s educational institutions. It is also home to a public school system with primary, elementary, and high schools and a branch of Mercer University within its city limits. Moreover, its historic sites, such as the Brown House and Davis-Bryan-Hazlehurst House, are on the National Register of Historic Places, and the town celebrates its vibrant culture through the Geranium Festival and Henry County Fair every year. The town’s educational institutions are not limited to just the college and public schools. It also boasts a thriving arts scene, with a community theater and an art gallery that showcases local talent. Additionally, the town’s proximity to major cities like Atlanta allows residents to access a wide range of cultural events and attractions easily.

The city of McDonough is proud to boast an impressive population of 29,051 according to the 2020 U.S. census, a 160 percent increase from 2000 to 2010.

Today, McDonough is a bustling city boasting a thriving commercial center and experiencing steady economic growth as portions of metro Atlanta’s regions spill over into Henry County. Many companies serve the local population, and people of all faiths can find welcoming houses of worship. This small town has also stayed connected to its roots, ensuring that its citizens benefit from modern technology while remaining conscious of its rich origins. McDonough has continued to evolve and progress, allowing it to continue Commodore Thomas MacDonough’s honor in the present day.