Settlement began after the 1807 Land Lottery. R. Fretwell, W. Burge, J. Hartwell and S. Gay moved to the area c. 1809. A log church was built for the Methodist in 1820. Rufus Broome, Nestor and John W. Pitts settled with the idea of developing a town. Sandtown (Newborn) became a hub of trade, education and medical care. Newborn Academy / Palmyra Institute was established 1837. John W. Pitts, a Union sympathizer, is credited with saving the town from Sherman's torch by entertaining the General on 11/19/1864. The arrival of the Middle Ga. and Atlantic R.R. in 1893 gave a boost to the economy where cotton dominated until after World War II.