KINGSTON, Georgia — The tiny town of Kingston was an important railroad town along the Western & Atlantic Railroad before the Civil War, during the war and following the cessation of hostilities.
Even if the Western & Atlantic and Rome railroads no longer intersect here, it is still a railroad town.
The town has quite a history, and it was once described as being “wicked.” However, by the 1850s, it was “improving in morals.”
Aside from the former railroad “Y,” the De Soto Hotel is perhaps the most recognizable landmark in town. Partly because it was a critical railroad junction of two railroads, Kingston once had four hotels.
The De Soto Hotel was built in 1911 following a major blaze that devastated the business district. For many years, it was a popular haunt for traveling salesmen.
Today, sadly, the De Soto is abandoned.
