In Downtown LaGrange, history isn’t tucked away—it’s part of the experience.
From the architectural grandeur of the Troup County Courthouse to the enduring legacy of the McLellan Building, Mansour’s Department Store, and the Kress Building, each landmark offers a glimpse into the people, places, and moments that shaped the city. Together, they tell a story rooted in resilience, growth, and a deep sense of community that still defines LaGrange today.
1930s
Troup County Courthouse
Begin your stroll in the early 20th century—a time of resilience and steady progress. The Troup County Courthouse, constructed in 1904, stood as a lasting symbol of LaGrange’s commitment to civic life and community pride. Designed by architect Andrew J. Bryan, its stately presence reflected the architectural character found throughout the South during that era.
The courthouse clock, installed the same year, was carefully maintained by Albert Lehmann Jr., who later readjusted it in 1930—an enduring detail that reflected the care invested in this landmark.
On November 5, 1936, tragedy struck when a fire engulfed the courthouse. Nurse Ruby Williams and one of her patients lost their lives, and in the midst of the crisis, Dr. Silas C. Rutland heroically tossed county health records from an upper window to preserve them. Thanks to the quick action of the community, most records were saved—ensuring that LaGrange’s history would carry forward.
1940s
McLellan Building
As you continue through downtown, the 1940s come into view through the story of the McLellan Building—a space long tied to community life. Originally occupied by the J.A. Bradfield Home, the site was redeveloped in 1913 for the Kress Building and the Callaway Department Store. After a fire destroyed the Callaway building in 1923, the property was rebuilt between 1923 and 1924.
It was here that McLellan’s 5-and-Dime took root, offering a familiar place for locals to gather, shop, and connect—especially during the uncertainty of World War II.
From 1924 until around 1975, McClellan’s remained a steady presence in Downtown LaGrange, evolving alongside the city while maintaining its role as a neighborhood staple. Today, its next chapter lives on as the McLellan Parlor within Del’Avant Event Center, where past and present come together in a meaningful way.
1950s
A Decade of Change
By the 1950s, LaGrange—like much of the country—was experiencing a new sense of momentum. As the postwar era ushered in economic growth and suburban expansion, families began settling in the surrounding areas.
Even as the city grew outward, Downtown LaGrange remained its cultural and social center—a place where traditions held strong and community life continued to unfold.
October 10, 1960
John F. Kennedy Visits LaGrange
In 1960, Downtown LaGrange found itself part of a moment that reached far beyond city limits. During his presidential campaign, then–U.S. Senator John F. Kennedy visited LaGrange, making stops here and in nearby Warm Springs.
He addressed a crowd at LaGrange-Callaway Airport before traveling through the city in a motorcade. For many residents, the memory still lingers—standing along the streets in their Sunday best, catching a glimpse of a future president as he passed through town.
1960s
The Kress Building & Mansour’s Department Store
The 1960s brought a wave of cultural change across the country, and Downtown LaGrange was no exception. Standing at the center of it all was the Kress Building, constructed in 1913 on the former site of the J.A. Bradfield House. Built by Pike Brothers Lumber Company, it marked a new era of growth and possibility for the city.
Over time, the Kress Building remained a cornerstone of downtown commerce, adapting as retail evolved and the city changed around it. While the original Kress store closed in the 1970s, the building’s legacy continues today as part of Del’avant Event Center—an enduring link between LaGrange’s past and present.
Mansour’s Department Store became another defining presence in downtown life. Established in 1917, it quickly earned a reputation for quality merchandise and exceptional service. What began as a single storefront grew into an entire block of thriving business, reaching its peak in the 1960s under the leadership of Nasor Mansour I and his family.
More than a place to shop, Mansour’s was a place to belong. Customers were greeted by name, relationships were built over time, and a strong sense of community took root within its walls.
Today, as the Courtyard by Marriott LaGrange stands on the site, that legacy carries forward—blending the spirit of its retail past with the welcoming experience of modern hospitality, and continuing to shape the story of Downtown LaGrange.
As we explore these historic sites, we’re transported through time, unraveling the layers of LaGrange’s past. Each landmark serves as a window into the town’s rich heritage, inviting us to continue celebrating the captivating history of Downtown LaGrange while honoring the resilience and spirit of generations who have called it home.