City of Porterdale

PO Box 667, Porterdale, GA 30070
Phone: 770.786.2217     Fax: 770.786.5171
www.cityofporterdale.com

Incorporated: 1917
Population: 1,420
Total Area: 1.03 square miles

The city now known as Porterdale was, in 1830, nothing more than a tiny settlement located on the shoals of the Yellow River three miles south of Covington.  Because of the many beautiful cedar trees that grew along the banks of the river, the settlement adopted the name of Cedar Shoals.  Within a few years, a wood carding and cotton mill called the Cedar Shoals Manufacturing Company launched.

By the end of the 19th Century, Bibb Manufacturing Company had bought the mill and established another - The Porterdale Mill (In the 1920s, Porterdale Mill had the honor of being the largest twine mill in the world.).  A third mill was begun in 1916, named Osprey.  In 1917, Cedar Shoals was incorporated as the town of Porterdale, named after the mill and Oliver S. Porter.

As a community, Porterdale thrived as the mills thrived, with numerous churches, homes of mill workers, schools and recreational opportunities.  At the height of production there were 2,500 mill employees.  Bibb Manufacturing Company allowed employees to purchase their homes from the company in 1964.

Porterdale has declined in recent decades, and Dan River Company (which replaced Bibb) is bankrupt.  Currently, the old mill is being converted into lofts and restaurant space and opened in September 2006.  With Newton County's growth, energized leadership, and private investment, Porterdale is beginning to experience a renaissance as people look upon its history, architecture, layout, and proximity to Covington as opportunities.

Basic Demographics for the City of Porterdale
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