Exterior view of the Little Manse Erskine Caldwell Museum

Moreland

Don’t let the name fool you — Moreland actually has less land than you might expect. In fact, according to the United States Census Bureau, Moreland has a total area of 0.93 square miles. Blink and you may miss it, but don’t blink and you may learn a lot. Like the fact that once upon a time, in 1827, there was a Georgia Land Lottery. The winners didn’t get chicken dinners; instead they got deeds to land. By 1843, farmers moved in, tilled the fields and built the Mt. Zion Methodist Church. After that, the train arrived, helping to connect the town, the people and the myriad business ventures — from cotton to hosiery — to Atlanta and LaGrange.

Today, this town is a far cry from “Anywhere, USA.” Instead, it embodies small-town charm and boasts a unique mix of old and new. And when you visit, keep an eye out for the flags boasting a bluebird, the town’s chosen mascot.

What Makes Moreland Special

There’s more to Moreland than meets the eye — like the fact that not one, but two of the South’s most famous writers were born here.

Literary Might

Internationally recognized Southern writers Lewis Grizzard and Erskine Caldwell both called Moreland home. Born in 1903, Caldwell wrote several famous novels, including Tobacco Road and God’s Little Acre; however, his most controversial book was his first one, published in 1929 and called The Bastard.

Grizzard, an American writer and humorist, was born in 1946 and got his start as a newspaper sports writer and editor before moving on to become a columnist for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He wrote more than 25 books over his career, in addition to also being a stand-up comedian and lecturer.

Cultural Attractions

The Moreland Cultural Arts Alliance operates two museums, The Little Manse (the birthplace and home of Erskine Caldwell) and the Moreland Hometown Heritage Museum (dedicated to all things Lewis Grizzard), in addition to hosting festivals, a book club and various events.

The alliance has also expanded its interpretation of Caldwell with a new attraction, God’s Little Acre, a living history park in development. The centerpiece of the park is a 1-acre demonstration garden that grows fresh produce that is sold locally. The park will also include buildings that will give visitors a sense of stepping back in time to a page from Caldwell’s most famous novel, God’s Little Acre. The park is a tribute to tenant farming in the rural South of the early 20th century.

Lewis Grizzard Invitational Softball Game

Come out and root for our “celebrities” in this annual special exhibition softball game. Held every October to celebrate Lewis’ birthday, you definitely don’t want to miss this very entertaining day.

Upcoming Events

Apr
2
April 2 @ 9:00 am - April 5 @ 12:00 pm
Crowd of friends and family on a green at Jazz in the Park even