As early as 1839, historic maps identify a community called Palestine near the community that became known as Dorsey. Located on the route traveled by the Georgia Railroad between Madison and Rutledge, Dorsey stood on the old Dixie Highway. Post office records indicate that it was a community of two to three hundred residents, with a store and a cotton gin, as well as two churches and schools for both white and African American children. Though many of the civic structures associated with this community are no longer extant, numerous small family cemeteries in the area outline the boundaries of this former community. Dorsey was also the location of a section line for the Georgia Railroad, and this small brick house served as a residence for the railway maintenance foreman, while smaller houses served as residences for the section hands and their families. Because of the individuals who take pride in this community, Dorsey is recognized as a significant part of county history.