Many communities that once thrived in our county are now names of the past, remembered only through road signs that echo their history. One such community, located in the eastern section of the county, was Island Shoals. This area flourished from the 1800s until the mid-20th century, but over time, its people and institutions faded away, leaving behind only memories.
Island Shoals, as Ms. Vessie Rainer described in her history of Henry County, is the “last shoal on the South Branch of the Ocmulgee River. The name is derived from the three-acre island in the river…” The earliest recorded mention of Island Shoals appears in 1843, when John Messer sold half-interest in a grist mill, sawmill, and cotton gin located there to Isham Weaver for $1,500. By 1847, the Henry County Inferior Court discussed sending a delegation to negotiate with Newton County Commissioners about building a bridge to connect the two counties at Snapping Shoals and Island Shoals. These developments marked the community’s beginnings.
In 1868, Messer became indebted to Weaver and sold the remainder of his interest in the mill to settle his debt. Around this time, a tannery was built near the mill, expanding the area’s economic activity.
Around the same period, Isaac Hartsfield acquired land surrounding Island Shoals, leading to the construction of a modernized mill. The surrounding woodlands, rich in heart pine, provided excellent material for building homes and other structures. Near the close of the Civil War, Hartsfield’s daughter, Elizabeth, moved to Island Shoals with her husband, Col. Cicero Dickerson. The couple contributed to the community’s growth. In 1868, their son Ras was born and spent his early years in the area. Tragically, Elizabeth passed away in 1870 at just 26 years old.
The Island Shoals Methodist Church, founded in 1835, became an important part of the community. The church was established with four trustees: Gaston Hendricks, Isham Weaver, Beverly Bohanan, and John Petterton. According to Dr. Joseph R. Hood, who was raised in the area, the church building also served as a school and was a small log structure. It became the center of community events, hosting everything from gatherings to speeches. One of the most significant movements to take root in the church was the temperance movement, spurred by the prevalence of illegal stills in the area. Many temperance speeches were delivered at the church, which created an awkward tension given that one of the trustees was rumored to own an illegal still himself.
Over time, the church became the final resting place for many community members. However, by 1871, records indicate that only one church trustee, C. McGraw, remained. He sold the church property to the Dickerson family, and the church was later absorbed by the now-defunct Snapping Shoals United Methodist Church.
Some of the families that called Island Shoals home included the Lummus, Wood, Perry, McDonald, Mason, and Gray families. By 1880, the community was still growing. A Mr. Bosworth capitalized on this growth by building a mill that also served as a blacksmith shop, tannery, shoe shop, general store, and post office. Known as Bosworth’s Mills, it became a vital hub of activity. However, Bosworth’s success was short-lived. As business declined, he left the area and relocated to Atlanta. His property was sold at a sheriff’s sale in 1896 for a fraction of its value.
In 1910, Hamp Bryans constructed the last bridge connecting Island Shoals to Newton County. This bridge, which endured for over 50 years, symbolized the community’s persistence. However, by the 1930s, Island Shoals was in steep decline. The last miller, Rufus Fincher, operated in the area until his death in 1937. Afterward, the community became a ghost town, known more for its illicit liquor stills and unsavory activities than its earlier prosperity.
The final bridge to Island Shoals washed away in 1994, severing its connection to Newton County and marking the end of the community’s physical and historical presence. Today, Island Shoals exists only in stories, a reminder of the vibrant lives and industry that once defined this forgotten corner of our county.
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