New Gallery: Sparta, Georgia

I’ve been meaning to take a camera to Sparta for a minute now; its downtown is small yet old and photogenic in a distinctly Southern way.

Confederate State of Hancock County

On that subject: let’s get the elephant in the room out front and center. Sparta is 85% Black, arguably economically and socially suffering, and yet this monument stands front and center. Why?

Neglect: “It Suits Us”
Lightbulb Moment, 12745 Broad St.

However, there are signs of hope. More than one building downtown is being refurbished, and there are at least a couple of businesses that are surviving — perhaps even thriving — by providing a sense of community:

The Sparta Ishmaelite (Printing)
Hattaway Furniture, 12755 Broad St.

By the way, those old buildings often have beautiful cast iron details:

Building Detail, 12699 Broad St.

I was glad to have made the trip, and hope that you’ll be glad to take a moment and look and Sparta’s downtown in the new gallery.

Up tomorrow: Eatonton. Thanks for stopping by.