Locust Grove is a city in Henry County, Georgia, located along Interstate 75 about 36 miles south of downtown Atlanta and roughly halfway between Atlanta and Macon. It is a historic railroad town that has become part of Atlanta's fast-developing southern exurbs, yet it retains a clearly defined small-town center. The community was named for a grove of locust trees near its original town site and was incorporated in 1893. Its early growth came as a rail distribution center for cotton and peaches, and the railroad remains a visible part of the town's identity — freight trains still pass through the historic downtown, where a dedicated platform invites residents and visitors to watch them go by. The downtown's historic district preserves more than 100 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places, giving Locust Grove a walkable, period character that sets it apart from newer surrounding development. With about 9,000 residents at the 2020 census, Locust Grove functions as both a hometown and a regional stop. Tanger Outlets, a major outlet shopping center, and the Noah's Ark Animal Sanctuary, which cares for more than 1,000 rescued animals, draw visitors from across the metro area. Local farms, antique shops, and community events round out the city's offerings. Locust Grove is served by Henry County Schools, with several campuses in the city, and its location along I-75 provides direct access to Atlanta, Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, and Middle Georgia. The city suits residents seeking small-town character, railroad heritage, and a convenient interstate position within commuting distance of one of the Southeast's largest job markets.