Red brick and historic murals make their mark on Dawson
As the seat of Terrell County in southwest Georgia, Dawson is a hub for smaller surrounding communities. Yet the population of 4,000 is slowly shrinking as more people depart these rural areas for urban centers. Although residents of nearby Sasser, Bronwood, Yeomans and Parrott head to Dawson for groceries and other essentials, many downtown storefronts lie vacant. Still, vibrant murals enliven Dawson’s buildings, many of which are composed of red brick made from Georgia soil. The High Victorian-style Terrell County Courthouse, crowned with silver domes and spires, is a noteworthy example. “They have a lot of pretty buildings and some mom and pop restaurants that have been there a long time,” says Lisa Davis, owner of The Brokerage Real Estate Company and resident of nearby Leesburg. Davis also points out that the population might not decline for much longer: “Lee County, the next county over, is growing in that direction.”
Historic homes on sizable land parcels
On Dawson’s outskirts, most streets are wooded and narrow, with homes spaced widely apart on sizable land parcels. Properties close to downtown tend to be smaller, so buyers in that area might have close neighbors. Paved sidewalks border some centrally located streets but become rare in rural areas. Many homes date to the early 1900s, though plenty of new and remodeled houses are also in the mix. “If you like small towns and want to get an old historic home, there are builds to be found in that area,” Davis says. Investment properties, bungalows and ranch-style homes might be priced from $100,000 to $200,000. Larger builds on multiacre properties typically sell for $275,000 to $325,000.
Kids attend schools in the Terrell County School District
Most students begin at Cooper-Carver Elementary School, which receives a C from Niche. Next up is Terrell Middle School, rated C-minus, followed by the C-plus-rated Terrell High School. The Terrell County School District is part of the Georgia Charter System, which offers flexibility in terms of curriculum design. Terrell Academy, a private Christian school, serves students from prekindergarten through Grade 12. The private school gets a B-plus from Niche.
Routes 520 and 82 connect Dawson to nearby cities and towns
Several highways intersect in Dawson, with Georgia State Route 520 and U.S. Route 82 serving as the primary arteries. Route 82 passes through Sasser on the 25-mile drive to Albany, a regional hub and home to Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital and Southwest Georgia Regional Airport. Columbus, the state’s second-most populous city, is about 65 miles north via Route 520. Rural communities Yeomans and Parrott are both located along Route 520 as well. Golden Peanut, one of Terrell County’s largest employers, operates a facility in Dawson.
Fast-food chains and dollar stores on U.S. Route 82
Dawson’s downtown is small, but a few mom and pop restaurants and specialty stores occupy the handsome brick buildings. Locally owned grocery stores and butcher shops are sprinkled throughout the central area, within walking distance of many homes. Fast-food chains and dollar stores line Route 82 on the western edge of town, along with several auto parts retailers and hardware stores. Piggly Wiggly supermarket can also be found near Route 82. Mark’s Melon Patch, a roadside produce stand outside Sasser, is a local favorite.
Golf and quail hunting in the Georgia countryside
Members of the Dawson Country Club can tee off on the private nine-hole golf course, relax by the pool and gather for social events throughout the year. The guided quail hunting trips at Piney Creek Plantation are especially popular with large groups, with visitors praising the expert staff and the authentic Southern fare served at the rustic lodge.
Theaters, museums and libraries in Dawson
Main Street Theater & Cultural Arts Center hosts local productions in its downtown space. The volunteer-run Terrell County History Museum displays local artifacts like antique farm equipment and vintage clothing, and admission is free. Dawson Carnegie Library is housed inside a restored brick building with space for private events. Aspiring sculptors can sign up for classes at The Clay Communion, a pottery studio that also offers summer clay camp sessions for kids.
City officials working to implement EPD requirements
After numerous documented instances of effluent violations and sewage spills into state water from the Dawson area, Georgia’s Environmental Protection Division issued enforcement orders to the city in 2024. The current city manager has acknowledged the situation and plans to comply with the EPD requirements.
