How a small Georgia town became the cinematic face of a fictional Indiana village

Countries & Cities · Published 15 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Jackson, Georgia, has evolved from a 19th-century railroad hub into a modern television icon. While its history includes economic struggle and industrial transformation, the city is now globally recognized as the filming location for the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana, in the hit series Stranger Things.

Founded in 1826 on a 303-acre plot, Jackson was established as the county seat of Butts County. Its early development was modest, and the town faced significant destruction during the Civil War when the army of General William T. Sherman passed through during the March to the Sea. Economic recovery was slow until the arrival of the railroad in 1882, which finally connected the community to broader trade networks. By the 20th century, the town found stability through industrial textile mills, which served as the primary employer for local residents.

The city underwent further shifts in the 1970s, transitioning into a bedroom community with convenient access to Atlanta and Macon via Interstate 75. During this decade, the city council also abolished local taxes. Today, the town is governed by an at-large mayor and a five-member council. The local school system, which desegregated in 1968, now serves over 3,370 students across a consolidated district. Geographically, Jackson sits near the center of Georgia's population, located 46 miles southeast of downtown Atlanta.

In recent years, Jackson has gained unexpected fame as a filming destination. Since 2016, the town has served as the primary backdrop for the fictional Hawkins, Indiana, in the series Stranger Things. Production crews utilized the downtown area, a local furniture store, and the Butts County Probate court to capture an authentic 1980s aesthetic. This cultural visibility has drawn significant tourism to the area. Beyond its media presence, the region is also home to the Georgia Diagnostic and Classification State Prison, located about 8 miles southwest of the city, which houses the state's death row and execution facility.

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