If you’ve ever driven down Highway 85 south of Fayetteville, you’ve probably seen it. A sudden splash of deep red against the Georgia greenery. It’s Starr's Mill, and honestly, it’s basically the most photographed spot in Fayette County for a reason.
Most people just pull over, snap a quick photo of the waterfall for their Instagram, and keep driving toward Senoia. But there’s a lot more to this place than just being a "pretty building." It’s actually been a pioneer of technology, a Hollywood star, and the site of a genuine cold case mystery.
The Real History of Starr's Mill Fayette County Georgia
The story starts way back in 1825. A guy named Hananiah Gilcoat built the first mill right here on Whitewater Creek. Back then, this was basically the edge of the world—the boundary between the State of Georgia and the Creek Indian lands was less than a mile away.
It wasn't always the red building we see today. The first two versions were actually log structures. And, in classic 19th-century fashion, they both burned down. Fire was basically the natural enemy of wooden mills filled with dry grain dust.
The "Starr" in the name comes from Hilliard Starr. He owned the place from 1866 to 1879. Even though he only ran it for thirteen years, the name stuck.
The current building? That was William T. Glower’s project. He rebuilt it in 1907 after the second fire. He wasn't just grinding corn, either. This site was a high-tech hub for its time. It powered a sawmill, a cotton gin, and eventually a dynamo that actually provided the first electricity to the nearby town of Senoia.
That "Deep South Glass" Movie Connection
You probably recognize it from the big screen. In the 2002 movie Sweet Home Alabama, the mill was transformed into "Deep South Glass," where Jake (Josh Lucas) made his lightning-struck glass.
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The film crew actually did a lot of the heavy lifting to make it look the way it does now. They gave it a fresh coat of paint and built the front deck specifically for the movie.
It’s also popped up in:
- Fried Green Tomatoes
- The Conjuring (the mill and the surrounding woods have that perfect "creepy but beautiful" vibe)
- Various TV shows filmed in the "Hollywood of the South" (Fayette/Coweta area)
The Mystery Nobody Mentions
While it looks peaceful now, the mill has a darker side. In 1966, the mill’s caretaker, George Lynch, was murdered right on the property.
It’s one of Fayette County’s oldest unsolved mysteries. Local historians and investigators like Bruce Jordan still discuss the case today because it remains a cold file. It’s a weird contrast—this idyllic picnic spot was once a crime scene that baffled the local police for decades.
Planning Your Visit (What to Actually Do There)
Today, the Fayette County Water System owns the property. They bought the mill house, the dam, and about 16 acres back in 1991 to use the pond as a water source.
Things to Know Before You Go:
- Fishing: You can fish here! People catch bass and bream in the pond quite often.
- Photography: If you want that perfect "glassy" waterfall shot, bring a tripod and a neutral density filter. The best light is usually first thing in the morning when the sun hits the face of the mill.
- The "Waterfall": It’s technically a spillway from the dam, but it’s loud and beautiful.
- Picnics: There are a few tables scattered around. It’s a great spot for a low-key lunch, but there aren't many "amenities" besides a portable restroom.
Getting the Best Shot
Don't just stay in the parking lot. If you walk along the edge of the highway (carefully, because there’s no sidewalk and people fly down 85), you can get a side-on view that captures the mill and the waterfall in one frame.
A Few Practical Insights
If you're headed to Starr's Mill, combine it with a trip to Senoia. It’s only about five or ten minutes away. You can see where The Walking Dead was filmed and then come back to the mill for some quiet.
- Check the hours: Usually, the gate is open from around 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM.
- Wear shoes with grip: If you plan on walking down near the rocks by the water, they get incredibly slick. I’ve seen more than one person take a spill trying to get a "creative" angle.
- Bring Bug Spray: It’s Georgia. It’s a creek. The mosquitoes will treat you like a buffet if you aren't prepared.
The mill stopped operating commercially in 1959, but it’s still the heart of this little unincorporated community. Whether you're there for the history, the ghost stories, or just a cool photo, it’s one of those rare places that actually lives up to the postcards.
For the best experience, aim for a weekday morning. The weekends get crowded with family photo shoots and senior portraits, which can make it hard to just sit and enjoy the sound of the water.
Next Steps for Your Visit
- Map it: Set your GPS to 115 Waterfall Way, Fayetteville, GA.
- Pack light: There’s a bit of walking, but nothing strenuous.
- Respect the fence: The interior of the mill is usually closed to the public to preserve the structure, so don't try to climb inside.