Kingsland Commercial Historic District

Six commercial buildings along South Lee Street make up the core of downtown Kingsland, Georgia. Built between 1912 and 1943, they are modest brick and stuccoed structures of one and two stories, with first-floor storefronts, simple cornices and only a hint of style. Two show Art Deco influence, including the 1925 newspaper building, and two are Stripped Classical. The 1912 State Bank building and the 1929 Camden Hotel are the two-story examples. The district matters because Kingsland grew up around transportation. The town began as a railroad stop in 1893, and the Atlantic Coastal Highway, later the Dixie Highway, brought travelers and new businesses. When U.S. 17 was rerouted along Lee Street in 1927, downtown commerce shifted one block east to this corridor. Hotels, cafes, groceries, dry goods stores and a newspaper served motorists and locals. The Camden Hotel was restored in 1993 and now serves as city offices.