Chalk Level Historic District Placed on National Register
From Special Reports
The City of Newnan is proud to announce that the Chalk Level Historic District has been officially added to the National Register of Historic Places.
This prestigious designation, awarded by the National Park Service, recognizes the district’s significant contributions to African American history, architecture, and culture. Councilmember Cynthia Jenkins, as a long-time advocate for the district, emphasized the importance of this recognition.
“This designation is a victory for honor, dignity, and truth. For me, this has been a long journey. I’ve been involved in a supportive capacity since 1999, and I am thankful to everyone who refused to let this history be overlooked. The City of Newnan’s decision to take on the nomination, and the staff members whose hard work made it happen, is a testament to what sustained commitment can accomplish. How fitting that during Black History Month we get to celebrate the preservation of a sacred and significant chapter of Newnan’s Black history.”
The National Register is the nation’s official list of historic properties worthy of preservation. This designation does not impose restrictive rules on private property owners, but provides a vital framework for preservation and opens doors for grants and technical assistance.
The Chalk Level Historic District is located in southeastern Newnan and covers approximately 261 acres. It began in the late 19th century as an area where African Americans in Newnan could build homes and establish businesses and facilities to serve the community during segregation. Buildings include schools, churches, single-family and multi-family residences, and the federally funded public housing developments built in the mid-20th century during urban renewal efforts.
The district has two cemeteries, including Farmer Street Cemetery, as well as Eastview Cemetery at the southern end of the district. Residential buildings include modest late-19th- to mid-20th-century house types typical of working-class neighborhoods in Georgia. The Chalk Level Historic District was added to the Georgia Register of Historic Places on October 24, 2025, and the National Register of Historic Places on January 29, 2026.
