Bolingbroke sits in the heart of Monroe County, Georgia — a community first settled in 1824, shaped by the Central of Georgia Railroad, and named by one of the most powerful railroad men in the South. Two centuries later, it has managed to stay exactly itself.
"You can leave Bolingbroke, but Bolingbroke doesn't leave you."
This is a place where your neighbors know your name, the church bells still ring on Sunday, and the trains still roll through the center of town just like they did in 1867. Come for a visit. You'll understand why people stay.
William Morrill Wadley was born in Brentwood, New Hampshire in 1813. His father was a blacksmith, and Wadley learned the trade before coming to Georgia at age 20. Working as a laborer on Fort Pulaski under Robert E. Lee, he taught himself mathematics and civil engineering on the side — and that self-education launched one of the most remarkable careers in Southern railroad history. He rose to become president of the Central of Georgia Railroad, the position he held from 1866 until his death in 1882. He bought a 1,360-acre plantation in Monroe County, renamed it Great Hill Place, and lived there the rest of his life. On August 28, 1866, Wadley renamed the railroad community after Henry St. John, 1st Viscount Bolingbroke — an 18th-century English philosopher he admired, whose writings influenced Thomas Jefferson and James Madison.
The railroad depot was built in 1867. Wadley is buried on his plantation just outside of town. The tracks still run through the center of Bolingbroke, same as they always have.
Bolingbroke doesn't have a lot of noise. What it has is a community club that's been running for generations, churches that anchor the calendar, and enough outdoor Georgia to fill a lifetime of weekends.
The Bolingbroke Community Club has been the heart of local life for decades — events, service, neighbors helping neighbors.
Learn more →From community club meetings to local gatherings, there's always something worth showing up for in Bolingbroke.
See events →Fishing, history, local food — Middle Georgia has more going on than people give it credit for.
Explore →Whether you're a resident, a researcher, or someone thinking about making Monroe County home — reach out. We're happy to help.