South State Street

South State Street, extending south from Vermillion Street to the town's outskirts, boasts a rich tapestry of historical architecture dating back to the 19th and early 20th centuries. Some of the more notable homes include the John Tollison Shumate house that in Our Years was known as the Butler home, which was moved to Morgan Street to make way for the third Bank of Athens building. The Joseph Caldwell house, demolished in 2023, was embellished with beautiful Victorian-era gingerbread, while the David H. Thornton house, with its grand gazebo, porch and bay window remains a delight to see. During Our Years long time Civics teacher Dorsey Martin and History teacher Ruth E. Thompson lived on South State. 

Among its notable landmarks on South State is Athens Elementary School, formerly housing both high school and junior high divisions. In earlier years, prior to 1910, this site was home to the first, second, and third buildings of the Concord State Normal School. The campus was relocated from South State Street to its current location on Vermillion Street in 1912.

The street's legacy is further enriched by a gallery on this page showcasing photographs and brief histories of some of its oldest residences.