The philanthropist and Historian, T.B. Rice, wrote in the History of Greene County, "Greene County is so rich in history, so steeped in tradition so indelibly associated with the development of the South that this, the eleventh county in Georgia bears a great distinction." Greene County was organized in 1786 and named after Revolutionary war hero Nathaniel Greene. The county seat, Greensboro, was also given his name. Greene County is the birthplace of Mercer University, and was originally the first choice for the location of the University of Georgia. Greene County was home to the first paper mill in the state as well as the location of the oldest jail, and oldest Pentecostal church in the state of Georgia.

Mary-Leila Cotton Mill

The Mary-Leila Cotton Mill opened its doors in 1899. Benefactors, W. R. Jackson and E. A. Copelan, of the Mill named it after their wives, Mary Jackson, Leila Copelan. It was the first industrial factory to arrive in Greene County, as the community attempted to diversify its cotton-based economy. The Mill was originally powered by steam with coal fired boilers. In the twentieth century the Mill prospered for the most part hurdling over the depression years, union negotiation in the forties, and the pressure of foreign rivalry beginning in the seventies, only succumbing to overseas competition in 2003. Purchased from Wellington Leisure Products, out of bankruptcy court, Historical Mill Restoration LLC is revitalizing the mill, and converting it into luxury loft Condominiums. The Mary-Leila Lofts, upon completion, will serve as a retreat to lifestyle enthusiasts, lake comers, and active adults.