Points of Interest:

McKinney's Pond--This 200-acre, spring fed, limestone bottom, cypress pond and surrounding area is site of the oldest man-made structure known in Emanuel County and is laden with rich history. The long, low dam was there when white men first moved into this area seeking riches and adventure. Specialists with the State of Georgia have estimated the age of the moss-covered trees now growing on the dam to be over 300 years old. Some 275 years ago, the Lower Creek Indians lived in this territory hunting deer and other wild game for food and pelts. In November 1864, Sherman and his Yankee Army invaded Emanuel County during his infamous "March to the Sea" and actually encamped near here. Today, it is the site of Emanuel County's oldest and most famous restaurant. From Swainsboro, take Highway 56 North for approximately 14 miles and look for signs to restaurant. The dam is located within a short walking distance. For more information call 478-589-7186.

Ohoopee Dunes Natural Area--Located on U.S. 80 west of Swainsboro, this dune system is unique to Georgia. The dunes are large oval structures believed to have been formed by wind deposits of sand on the eastern and northern banks of the Ohoopee River in South Georgia during the late Pleistocene Age (20,000 years ago). The dunes contain rare species and sensitive habitats. To protect these resources, vehicular access is limited. No ATVs or horses are allowed. From Downtown Swainsboro, take U.S. 80 west for approximately 6 miles. Look for kiosk on north side of highway.

The Coleman House-- The Coleman House is a picturesque Victorian-era mansion built between 1900 and 1904. Featured in "America's Painted Ladies" and listed on the "National Register of Historic Places," the home is a a three story structure detailing two popular national styles, the Queen Anne and Neoclassical Revival. Both styles where commonly used in Georgia during the early 20th Century. Located on U.S. North (North Main Street) the home is also a bed & breakfast and a restaurant. Call 478-237-9100 for more information

Emanuel County Farm Museum--The Emanuel County Farm & Home Museum is located on Museum Drive across from the Emanuel County Fairgrounds, just north of Swainsboro. A collection of tools, machinery, and items of importance to early settlers are on display. Granny's Attic exhibits a home of that era with household furnishings, clothing and jewelry of the 1800s. The Museum is in the early stages of developing a settlers' village. A fully functioning blacksmith shop, a one-room schoolhouse, and a log cabin are now on display. Plans call for a tobacco barn, a country store, soap-making and cane syrup exhibit, quilts and rug weavers to be added. Call 478-237-8753, 478-494-2037 or 478-237-8179 for more information and to arrange a visit.

Cypress Inn--The Cypress Inn is a century old, newly renovated Greek Revival farm house. The beautiful home built in 1905 now serves as a romantic getaway bed and breakfast. The rooms are adorned with many antiques. From Swainsboro, take Hwy 56 North for approximately 15 miles, turning left onto Wadley-Coleman Lake Road. Go 2 miles, Inn is located on right. For more information call 478-589-7950 or visit website at info(at)cypressinnbandb.com.

Edna Reindel Mural--Located in the Emanuel County Courthouse Annex (the old Post Office), the mural "Experimenting with the First Model of the Cotton Gin" (Oil on canvas, 1939) was a WPA Federal Arts Project Mural painted by Edna Reindel. The mural depicts Eli Whitney consulting his plans while he instructs workers on the operation of the machine that would hugely increase the volume of cotton processed and make the cultivation of cotton extremely lucrative in the American South. Edna Reindel (1894-1990) is considered to be one of America's foremost painters and sculptors of the Twentieth Century. Working for the Works Progress Administration Federal Arts Project during the Depression, Reindel completed several murals between 1937 and 1942, including the one here. The mural can be viewed during regular Courthouse hours, Mon-Fri., 8 am to 5 pm. The Clerk of Courts office office can assist with viewing.