Historic

The upstairs of the factory building was partially insulated for an apartment, and part of it has exposed brick walls and large windows. This is part of the Historic Jefferson Mill property in Crawford that went up for sale in October of 2025 for $1.6 million. (Makenna Reavis/The Oglethorpe Echo)

The upstairs of the factory building was partially insulated for an apartment, and part of it has exposed brick walls and large windows. This is part of the Historic Jefferson Mill property in Crawford that went up for sale in October of 2025 for $1.6 million. (Makenna Reavis/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Historic mill seeks new owner and purpose

Jefferson Mill in Crawford is full of local history, and Gary Stacy hopes to keep it that way.  The building was built with brick made in Smithonia and was originally powered by a hydroelectric plant built at Watson Mill, giving it deep Oglethorpe County roots.
Glynn Segars, owner of Community Cigar and member of the Lexington Downtown Development Authority, points out the notice on the window in a building along Main Street in downtown Lexington. “It’s a concern for public safety, it’s a concern for business development and it’s a concern for historic preservation,” he said.

Glynn Segars, owner of Community Cigar and member of the Lexington Downtown Development Authority, points out the notice on the window in a building along Main Street in downtown Lexington. “It’s a concern for public safety, it’s a concern for business development and it’s a concern for historic preservation,” he said.

Obstacles to development

Buildings in disrepair, truck traffic and community apathy are all barriers to Lexington’s ability to flourish, according to its leaders.    These were among the issues discussed at the City of Lexington Downtown Master Plan Kick-Off Meeting at the Presbyterian Manse on Nov. 14.
The Maxeys Historic District includes many types of buildings displaying a variety of architecture. (Submitted Photo)

The Maxeys Historic District includes many types of buildings displaying a variety of architecture. (Submitted Photo)

Maxeys Historic District added to National Register

The Maxeys Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places on Tuesday, according to a release from the Georgia Department of Community Affairs.   “It's a point of pride for the community,” Maxeys Mayor Warren Gilson said.