Officially named and first mentioned in 1893, Woodstown was named after the Woods family, prominent residents of the eastern section of Henry County. The family, led by patriarch William Woods, was among the early settlers in the county and hailed directly from Ireland. William Woods, along with his sons William Jr. and Dr. James Woods, played pivotal roles in shaping the community. The family owned substantial plots of land along what is now the intersection Jackson Lake and Woodstown Roads and were active members of the Freemasons.
Situated near the borders of Newton and Butts counties, Woodstown intersected with the Island Shoals community, which I discussed in a previous post. It also neighbored and encompassed parts of the original Stroud plantation, an expansive property with deep historical roots in the area. Mackey Creek, a scenic waterway, runs through the heart of Woodstown, adding to its natural beauty and historical significance. Compared to many other communities in Henry County, Woodstown’s history is relatively recent.
Dr. James Woods stands out in the county’s history as a champion of progress. He, along with Mr. Ras Dickerson, successfully advocated for the installation of a telephone exchange and lines throughout the county, leading to the creation of the Woods-Dickerson Telephone Company. Later, Dr. Woods partnered with Alonzo Norman to establish the Ola-Woodstown Company, further expanding the county's telephone infrastructure. These efforts brought telephone lines from McDonough through the Ola and Woodstown communities, showcasing the vision and leadership of these early pioneers. Dr. Woods even built a house for his family in 1900, a symbol of the community's growth and promise.
However, the closure of the Woodstown post office in 1901 marked the beginning of the community's decline. In 1907, Dr. Woods relocated with his family to the city of Jackson, and over time, Woodstown's prominence faded. The eventual demolition of Dr. Woods' house symbolized the final chapter in the community’s story. Today, Woodstown is entirely abandoned, a ghost town remembered only through historical records and stories. Its name lingers in the shadows of pine trees along Jackson Lake Road and beside the quiet flow of Mackey Creek.
Driving down that road at dusk, one can almost feel the echoes of Dr. Woods tirelessly working to place the telephone lines that connected the community. You can imagine the laughter of children running along the banks of Mackey Creek, the joy of families gathering for picnics under the shade of the trees, and the simple moments of togetherness that once defined this now-forgotten place. Woodstown is a poignant reminder of how fleeting history can be, and yet, its spirit remains alive in the memories of those who remember.
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