Gray: History, Music, and Golf

Gray: School History, Music, and Landscapes

Gray brings together a range of themes to consider when planning your trip: school and architectural history, a memorial to Otis Redding, golf, and a scenic route that begins downtown. In the surrounding area, historic sites and a nature trail add more potential destinations. You can then decide whether to focus mainly on exploring the city’s history or include regional stops as well.

Schools and Historic Buildings

The Jones County Education Museum is located in the W.E. Knox Civic Center at 161 West Clinton Street. It features three eras of school classrooms, from early one-room schoolhouses to classrooms from the late 20th century. This offers a way to trace the development of everyday school life over an extended period.

The Jones County Courthouse is also part of Gray’s architectural history. The renovated building was constructed in 1905 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Another connection to local educational history is the former Jones County High School building, designed by architect Ellamae League (1899–1991) and built in 1936. It has since been converted into the Jones County Civic Center, which houses the Jones County Auditorium and other spaces for public and community use.

The history of Gray Elementary and High School adds another perspective. The school served Black students in Jones County. Under the leadership of James Russell Collins, its curriculum was expanded to include grades one through twelve. Together with the museum and the former school building, this part of the city’s history highlights different aspects of education and public institutions.

Main Street Station and Otis Redding

Main Street Station is a restored former ambulance building at the corner of Highway 129 and Atlanta Road. It was restored in 2015 and returned to its original 1950s style. The building houses the Gray Welcome Center. If you plan to stop there, check the latest operating information before your visit.

The Otis Redding Memorial was unveiled next to Main Street Station in 2016. An interactive panel offers a selection of the musician’s songs. The memorial connects music history with a specific place in downtown Gray; check in advance whether the interactive panel will be available during your visit.

Golf and Route Planning

The public Lake Jonesco Golf Course is an 18-hole course open year-round. From the back tees, it measures 6,544 yards; three sets of tees are provided for different skill levels. The course also has a driving range and offers golf club and golf cart rentals. Since operating details and availability may change, check the latest information before planning your round.

The golf course hosts a Family Day quarterly. Children accompanied by a parent can play golf for free. If you’re planning your visit around this offer, check its dates and terms in advance.

The Ocmulgee-Piedmont Scenic Byway begins in downtown Gray on Highway 11. It passes through several communities to Round Oak-Juliette Road and ends at the Ocmulgee River in Juliette. The route also passes the site of the Battle of Sunshine Church, which took place in 1864 during the American Civil War. The byway also runs through Piedmont National Wildlife Refuge, home to many endangered wildlife species. Together, the route and its historic sites offer different perspectives on the region’s landscape and history.

More Places to Visit Nearby

The Old Clinton Historic District is not in downtown Gray. It includes houses and public buildings from the early 19th century that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It offers a look at a different period of architecture than the 1905 courthouse. In Griswoldville, historic markers commemorate the Battle of Griswoldville, which took place during the American Civil War.

For a different kind of outing, consider the nearby Hitchiti Nature Trail: this four-mile loop follows Little Falling Creek to the Ocmulgee River. Trail conditions may change, so check them before your visit. These destinations differ considerably in character: historic buildings, a themed nature trail, and a longer route through several communities each appeal to different interests.

Discover more destinations: Wadley

Return to the regional travel overview: Jefferson County.