Visiting Rutledge
Welcome to Rutledge, Georgia, a very small but very special city.  The heart of our historic district is located just three miles north of I-20 at exit #105 but is easily accessible from all directions.  As you head into town you'll pass cotton fields, horse and cattle farms, small businesses & small industries, grand old homes, grand new homes and historic homes, some left untouched over time but many renovated and proudly presented for all to enjoy.   When you enter historic downtown Rutledge you'll be awed by the quaint business district that looks like it might have 100 years ago. You'll want to stay a while to shop, dine and enjoy the leisure town park. 

The Civil War
Although not incorporated as a city until 1871, the Rutledge community was deeply affected by the Civil War conflict.  Originally a cotton plantation owned by Hezekiah Rutledge, the community became a prosperous farming region resulting from the construction of the Georgia Railroad that still runs through the heart of downtown today.  As Sherman's troops marched to the sea in 1864 they toppled the community's water tower, burned the train depot and many of the homes and tore up the railroad bed in order to stop replenishment of much needed food and supplies to the local citizens.  You'll want to visit other communities in this and neighboring counties to learn which ones survived unscathed and which were equally ravaged.