A History Buff's Guide to Braselton

With its welcoming small-town feel, Braselton draws you in—and rewards the curious with a fascinating past woven into its streets and landmarks.

Long before the town became known for the high-speed thrills at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta or the luxury of Chateau Elan Winery & Resort, Braselton was a serene expanse of farmland. In 1876, pioneer William Harrison Braselton purchased 796 acres for his family, laying the foundation for a thriving agricultural and commercial hub.

Today, whether you’re a curious local or a traveler in search of a story-filled escape, Braselton is home to a variety of historic sites that make this Southern town a true treasure.

Enterprise Roller Mill

Once the heart of local industry, the Enterprise Roller Mill used steam power to produce flour and cornmeal at unprecedented speed, processing over 13,000 pounds of product per day at its peak. Built in 1900 by the Braselton Brothers and their business partner, the mill helped transform Braselton into a regional trade center.

Today, this iconic structure is home to The Mill, which houses Braselton’s official welcome center, a retail market and a museum dedicated to the mill’s story. It’s the perfect place to begin your journey into Braselton’s past.

Braselton Brothers Department Store

What started as a 6-by-6-foot shack grew into a bustling department store complete with a post office, a bank and an extensive range of goods, living up to its slogan of serving customers “from the cradle to grave.” 

Today, historic character meets modern flair in this thoughtfully restored anchor of downtown now known as The 1904, home to locally loved businesses like Rebar, Sugar n’ Proof and Flourish Taproom and more.

W.H. Braselton Home

Built by William Henry Braselton, the town’s first mayor, this stately Neoclassical home features 12 fireplaces and a grand staircase. In 1995, it was meticulously restored and adapted for use as Braselton Town Hall, preserving both its architectural beauty and civic legacy.

Grammar School

Built around 1933 to serve the town’s growing population, this historic schoolhouse has since been restored and now houses Countryside Antiques, a cherished local gem where visitors can find a glimpse of the past alongside a curated collection of vintage treasures.

Home Economics Cottage

Originally an extension of Braselton High School, this cottage taught life skills like cooking and sewing. It later became Braselton’s first library and now hosts House of Clay, a pottery and paint-your-own studio where guests of all ages can get creative in a space rich with history.

Old Service Station

One of Braselton’s first auto service centers, this former filling station is now home to Local Station, a locally loved restaurant blending nostalgic charm with a fresh, flavorful menu.

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From steam-powered industry to charming downtown storefronts, Braselton’s story is one of growth, resilience and Southern ingenuity. As the Athens Daily Herald put it more than a century ago, it’s “one of the most delightful and enticing of the smaller towns of northeast Georgia.”

To dive deeper into local history, hop aboard a guided trolley tour or explore at your own pace with a self-guided walking tour of Braselton’s downtown historic district. Visit explorebraselton.com/tours to reserve your spot, download a guidebook and uncover the history and charm that make Braselton one of a kind.

Self-Guided Walking Tour