Tour in your Own Backyard

To take a self-guided walking tour visit the DeKalb History Center and pick up a brochure. Guided walking tours are available by appointment. There is a 5 person minimum and a charge of $5 per person for a guided tour.

To make reservations call: 404-373-1088

Downtown Decatur Tour

The downtown Decatur tour begins on the Old Courthouse Square, the county site since 1823. Named for Baron DeKalb, DeKalb County was formed in 1822.

The tour brings to mind old businesses such as Uncle Billy’s Tavern, the Ramspeck Store, and Bailey’s Shoe Shop as well as Decatur Federal Savings and Loan.

Tour participants will see some of Mr. Candler’s legacy as they stroll through Decatur. Scott Candler, Sr., known to many as “Mr. DeKalb”, served as both Mayor of Decatur and Chairman of the DeKalb County Commission. During his term as Chairman the Decatur-DeKalb Library system was created, a new Courthouse was built in 1967, and DeKalb created its own water system.

Strolling on Church Street after leaving Decatur Cemetery, visitors will pass the new Maude Baker Flower Shoppe, one of the oldest businesses still serving Decatur and DeKalb residents. They will move toward the site of the Old Candler Hotel and the Houston House, home of Dr. Houston that still stands on Church Street.

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Agnes Scott College and Neighborhood Tour

The Agnes Scott College tour begins at the McCain Entrance to Agnes Scott College. Founded in 1889 with a gift from Colonel George Washington Scott, the school was chartered as a college in 1906 and renamed for Colonel Scott’s mother.

The tour guides participants through the Agnes Scott College campus whose distinctive buildings are built in the Collegiate Gothic style.

Participants view historic homes on South Candler that belonged to some of Decatur’s notable residents of the past. They also pass through Adams Street, part of Decatur’s first planned residential neighborhood with many homes designed by woman architect Leila Ross Wilburn, an Agnes Scott graduate.

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