Porterdale Downtown

Porterdale Mill Village is a charming small town located about 35 miles east of Atlanta, nestled along the banks of the Yellow River in Newton County, Georgia. Porterdale was founded in 1830 and quickly developed into a mill town. Its initial industrial activity included a grist mill, sawmill, and foundry. Textile mill activity began as early as 1835, in the Cedar Shoals section of the Yellow River. The town was named after Oliver S. Porter, who purchased one of the mills in 1870. Later, in 1899, the Bibb Manufacturing Company erected the sprawling “new” or second Porterdale Mill complex on the north bank, which still stands today. In 1916, the Osprey Mill was built. These mills played a crucial role in manufacturing cotton rope, with Porterdale producing more cotton rope during the early twentieth century than anywhere else in the world. During World War II, the mills supplied most of the rope used by the United States Navy.

Today, Porterdale stands as a testament to its industrial past, a place where history, architecture, and community converge. Whether you explore the mill buildings, stroll through the mill village, or simply enjoy the scenic Yellow River, Porterdale invites you to step back in time and appreciate its enduring legacy.