Braselton, Georgia

Braselton, Georgia, is a town that spans across Barrow, Gwinnett, Hall, and Jackson counties in the northeastern part of the state. Its origins trace back to 1876 when William Harrison Braselton, a farmer from Hall County, purchased approximately 800 acres of land to establish a plantation.

The town was officially incorporated in 1916, with William Henry Braselton, the founder’s eldest son, serving as its first mayor. The Braselton family played a pivotal role in the town’s early development. In 1887, eight-year-old John Oliver Braselton, son of William Harrison Braselton, initiated the family’s commercial ventures by constructing a modest six-foot-by-six-foot merchandise house in their yard. He used this tiny store to sell items like sweet crackers, sardines, snuff, tobacco, and rock candy to farmhands on the plantation.

In its first year, this humble establishment achieved sales totaling $97.41. The following year, after the original store was destroyed by a runaway horse and buggy, John Oliver, with encouragement from his father, built a slightly larger store measuring 14 by 16 feet.

This second store featured a window and provided more space for an expanding inventory. Recognizing the potential for growth, John invited his older brother, Green Braselton, to join the business in 1888. By 1891, their eldest brother, William Henry, also became part of the enterprise, leading to the formation of the “Three Bs” partnership. In 1891, the brothers replaced the second store with a more substantial structure measuring 22 by 50 feet.

As their business continued to flourish, they expanded this third store by adding 22 feet to its rear in 1894. The store’s proximity to the newly established railroad tracks, which included a sidetrack installed in 1902 along what is today Wall Street, facilitated the efficient movement of goods and contributed to the business’s success.

In 1904, the Braselton Brothers—William Henry, John Oliver, and Green—constructed a mercantile store that became a central hub for commerce. Their entrepreneurial ventures expanded to include a grist and flour mill, and in 1921, they established Braselton Brothers, Inc.

The family also contributed to the community by funding local schools and publishing the monthly “Four County Booster” from 1912 to 1933. Tragically, in 1920, a tornado struck Braselton, causing significant damage to the Braselton Brothers’ store. With the support of the community, the brothers rebuilt the establishment, continuing their commitment to serving the surrounding counties. A notable chapter in Braselton’s history occurred in 1989 when actress and Georgia native Kim Basinger, along with a group of investors,

purchased a significant portion of the town—approximately 1,751 acres—for $20 million. Basinger’s vision was to transform Braselton into a tourist destination, with plans that included establishing a film studio and a theme park. However, these ambitious projects did not materialize as anticipated. Facing financial challenges, Basinger and her partners sold the property in 1995 for $4.3 million. Today, Braselton is recognized for its commitment to preserving its rich history while fostering modern development.

The town features several historic buildings that have been repurposed for contemporary use. Visitors can explore the Braselton Heritage Museum and Visitor’s Center, located in the original 1904 Braselton Brothers mercantile building, which showcases a variety of artifacts significant to the town’s heritage.

The town’s dedication to historic preservation is evident in its revitalized downtown area, where many original structures have been maintained and adapted for current functions. Residents and visitors alike can enjoy a blend of historical charm and modern amenities, reflecting Braselton’s unique journey from a modest farming community to a town with aspirations of becoming a cultural and tourist hub.