Community
Discover the City of Hiram:
Established in 1891 as a rural railroad town, the City of Hiram has progressed into the major commercial corridor for Paulding County.
Just a short drive northwest of Atlanta, Hiram blends the best of the past, present, and future. Hiram's downtown business district offers a more relaxed, nostalgic dining and shopping experience while only a moment away from an impressive and growing variety of modern conveniences, including shopping, dining, and entertainment.
From quaint, historic downtown shops to a wide array of nationally recognized retailers, convenience is all within a three-mile radius. Spend a leisurely afternoon in the historic downtown, or shop till you drop in many of your favorite retail stores nearby.
Nestled in the center of these unique areas are two exceptional parks and other recreational facilities. It is the perfect combination of community and convenience, where a great quality of life is more than just a cliché.
Hiram History:
The Beginning - Gray's Mill, G.A
The area around, what is now the City of Hiram, was originally known as Gray's Mill, G.A , named after one of the earliest settlers, Garrett Gray. He was the son of Isaac Gray, a Revolutionary War soldier from South Carolina born in 1750. Garrett was born on September 23, 1802 in South Carolina, where he was reared on the farm and educated in the common country school.
Garrett Gray married Jane Jenkins on January 1, 1828 in Franklin County, G.A. She too was born in South Carolina but unfortunately orphaned as a small child. Jane was reared by her brother, with whom she came to Georgia in 1825. Garrett and Jane lived in Franklin County where they successfully farmed until 1835. It was then that they relocated to this area of Paulding County.
As well as being one of the first settlers, Mr. Gray made many contributions to the community that led to it being an incorporated city later on. As a representative in the 5th Congressional District of Georgia Legislature, he established a contract to deliver the first locomotive onto the first Georgia railroad. He also served as a Private in Company D 1st Regiment G.A Cavalry until 1862 when he was honorably discharged.
Perhaps the greatest contribution that Garrett Gray made to the local community was the building of Gray's Mill in the early 1850's. Located on the outskirts of what is now Hiram, approximately 100 yards above the present Highway 92, the site of the mill was a picturesque place, complete with a dam with water pouring over it and a large mill wheel on the side. A favorite local spot for picnics and gatherings, the creek at the mill was also used for baptisms. For many years, the grist mill operated as a place where farmers from miles around brought their corn and wheat to be ground.
The little town at Gray's Mill was a bustling spot for trade and export, but it lacked an official name recognized by the State of Georgia. It wouldn't be until 1891 that the 'Town of Hiram' would come into being. The 'Town of Hiram' was named after Hiram Baggett, the first postmaster assigned to the area. Later, in 1956, the 'Town of Hiram' would be changed to the 'City of Hiram', and the rest is, as they say, history!
Entertainment:
Entertainment choices for all ages abound in Hiram, including movie theaters, exciting night life, and live music. Hiram's crown jewel, Ben Hill Strickland Sr. Memorial Park, has recently been renovated to accommodate a 500-seat amphitheater. Concerts, festivals, fireworks, and other outdoor events are popular with residents and visitors alike!
Quality of life is second to none in Hiram. Bring your family and join us for a day, a weekend, or a lifetime! Hiram really does have it all.
Just a short drive northwest of Atlanta, Hiram blends the best of the past, present, and future. Hiram's downtown business district offers a more relaxed, nostalgic dining and shopping experience while only a moment away from an impressive and growing variety of modern conveniences, including shopping, dining, and entertainment.
From quaint, historic downtown shops to a wide array of nationally recognized retailers, convenience is all within a three-mile radius. Spend a leisurely afternoon in the historic downtown, or shop till you drop in many of your favorite retail stores nearby.
Nestled in the center of these unique areas are two exceptional parks and other recreational facilities. It is the perfect combination of community and convenience, where a great quality of life is more than just a cliché.
Hiram History:
The Beginning - Gray's Mill, G.A
The area around, what is now the City of Hiram, was originally known as Gray's Mill, G.A , named after one of the earliest settlers, Garrett Gray. He was the son of Isaac Gray, a Revolutionary War soldier from South Carolina born in 1750. Garrett was born on September 23, 1802 in South Carolina, where he was reared on the farm and educated in the common country school.
Garrett Gray married Jane Jenkins on January 1, 1828 in Franklin County, G.A. She too was born in South Carolina but unfortunately orphaned as a small child. Jane was reared by her brother, with whom she came to Georgia in 1825. Garrett and Jane lived in Franklin County where they successfully farmed until 1835. It was then that they relocated to this area of Paulding County.
As well as being one of the first settlers, Mr. Gray made many contributions to the community that led to it being an incorporated city later on. As a representative in the 5th Congressional District of Georgia Legislature, he established a contract to deliver the first locomotive onto the first Georgia railroad. He also served as a Private in Company D 1st Regiment G.A Cavalry until 1862 when he was honorably discharged.
Perhaps the greatest contribution that Garrett Gray made to the local community was the building of Gray's Mill in the early 1850's. Located on the outskirts of what is now Hiram, approximately 100 yards above the present Highway 92, the site of the mill was a picturesque place, complete with a dam with water pouring over it and a large mill wheel on the side. A favorite local spot for picnics and gatherings, the creek at the mill was also used for baptisms. For many years, the grist mill operated as a place where farmers from miles around brought their corn and wheat to be ground.
The little town at Gray's Mill was a bustling spot for trade and export, but it lacked an official name recognized by the State of Georgia. It wouldn't be until 1891 that the 'Town of Hiram' would come into being. The 'Town of Hiram' was named after Hiram Baggett, the first postmaster assigned to the area. Later, in 1956, the 'Town of Hiram' would be changed to the 'City of Hiram', and the rest is, as they say, history!
Entertainment:
Entertainment choices for all ages abound in Hiram, including movie theaters, exciting night life, and live music. Hiram's crown jewel, Ben Hill Strickland Sr. Memorial Park, has recently been renovated to accommodate a 500-seat amphitheater. Concerts, festivals, fireworks, and other outdoor events are popular with residents and visitors alike!
Quality of life is second to none in Hiram. Bring your family and join us for a day, a weekend, or a lifetime! Hiram really does have it all.