Driven by ambition and a vision to improve the lives of people, Peachtree City was founded under the leadership of Pete Knox, Jr. whose timber business successes allowed him to create this grand “garden cities” development concept. Despite his struggles with alcohol, Pete was able to promote a successful potential development with the help of landscape architects Willard C. Byrd & Associates and pass on his wisdom to his son, Boone Knox (1936-2011), all without sacrificing the city’s rich history and impressive standards.
The History of Peachtree City
The Founding of Peachtree City
Peachtree City was founded by three different groups: the Fayetteville Real Estate Company, the MacDuffie family, and the Southern Joint Land & Investment Company. In 1959, the Fayetteville Real Estate Company purchased over 6,000 acres of land in south-central Fayette County, with the intent of developing it into a master-planned community. The MacDuffie family acquired 1,050 acres of the land and formed a partnership with the Southern Joint Land & Investment Company, which provided the remainder of the funding for the development.
The Development of Peachtree City
In 1961, the first section of the planned city was opened, and soon after, it was incorporated as the town of Peachtree City. Over the following decades, the city continued to develop and expand, reaching its current population of over 35,000 people. Today, Peachtree City is divided into five distinct districts, each with its unique character and history.
Municipal Standards of Peachtree City
Since its inception, Peachtree City has maintained high standards for its municipal services and infrastructure. The city has been recognized for its
Peachtree City has seen an influx of new residents over the past decade. Despite this, many remain unaware of the city’s rich history, its development evolution, and its impressive municipal standards. What makes Peachtree City unique is that it is the only city in Georgia that can boast multiple claims of being its founder.
The Vision of Pete Knox, Jr.
Peachtree City is a testament to the vision and ambition of its founder, Pete Knox, Jr. (1911-1993). Through his leadership and investment, Knox Homes was able to create a planned city development concept that captured the primary benefits of the countryside and the city while avoiding the disadvantages presented by both. This new development concept mimicked the United Kingdom’s “garden cities” movement and was only made possible through the wealth of the Knox family that had been built on the timber business and other ventures. Despite being an alcoholic, Pete Knox, Jr. was able to employ landscape architects Willard C. Byrd & Associates to create the layout for these new developments, leading to the success of Peachtree City today.
Walter Hunziker, an employee of Byrd & Associates with a deep understanding of the garden cities movement, presented his ambitious idea of forming new towns to Pete Knox, Jr. Despite showing appreciation for the idea, Pete never seemed to express any further interest after the initial presentation. Boone Knox (1936-2011), the son of Pete Knox, Jr., recalled how his father’s battle with alcoholism adversely affected the family’s businesses.
Despite this challenge, Boone and his brother Pete Knox, III (1935-1996) persevered in their efforts to help their father get back on track.
Pete, Jr. Amazes Byrd and Hunziker
Pete, Jr. astounded Byrd and Hunziker when he arrived unannounced at the Byrd & Associates office, arms full of rolled-up land plat maps, 15,000 acres to be exact. Despite his lack of initial interest in their presentation months ago, Pete, Jr. had secured the land for the new city they were discussing and was ready to get started. They had no idea how this was possible without any feasibility studies, preliminary engineering assessments, or economic viability determined yet, but Pete, Jr. had made it happen.
He was a man of initiative, not afraid to take risks and be rewarded. This original newspaper article on the acquisition of the land is now proudly preserved in Brooks City Hall, courtesy of Mayor Dan Langford’s collection.
Pete, Jr.’s trust in his son Pete, III was well placed as the young man was accepted into the Harvard MBA program. However, Pete, Jr. did not falter on his mission to have a project manager for the acquisition and so he put his faith in Joel Cowan, Pete, III’s college roommate at Georgia Tech, who eagerly accepted the role of “man on the ground” and later became the city’s first mayor.
Pete Knox Jr.’s Legacy
Boone Knox, Jr. was an inspirational figure in the Atlanta real estate market, setting the stage for what would later be deemed a master developer. His business acumen and appreciation for greenspace saw him selling the land between Atlanta and Peachtree City to Phipps Land Company despite the slow population movement southward at that time. He had the foresight to recognize that this land would one day become highly coveted by developers. Even though he faced personal challenges like alcoholism, he sought help with the support of his son Boone and Tom Cousins. Tom Cousins went on to become a nationally renowned real estate developer and was even successful in bringing professional basketball and hockey to the Atlanta market after building the Omni – a testament to Pete Knox, Jr.’s legacy.
Mayor Howard Morgan’s foresight and ambition were truly remarkable in 1972 when he introduced the “master plan” for the city created by Richard P. Browne Associates featuring multi-use paths. At the time, there were less than 400 registered voters in the city, yet his determination to create something lasting was unwavering. With the help of Pete Knox, Jr., who impulsively purchased the land that would eventually become Peachtree City, Morgan was able to bring his vision to life. Though Knox ultimately sold his interest in the project, without him the development miracle may never have occurred, and his contribution to the city should not be overlooked.
Peachtree City stands as a beacon of progress and an example of what can be achieved with dedication and hard work. In upcoming columns, we will explore the unique characteristics that make this city stand out from the rest of the metro area.
Peachtree City is a prime example of how foresight and improving municipal standards have created better standards of living. The city was built on the courage and ambitious ideas of its founders, Pete and Boone Knox who overcame their personal trials to bring visions of thriving towns into fruition. Peachtree City’s commitment to advancing municipal infrastructure while preserving the countryside has made it a perfect illustration of a modern garden city for generations of people to come. Through careful planning and implementation of laws, educational systems, and peaceful neighborhood settings, Peachtree City continues to provide a safe quality of life that is truly unmatched.
