The Old DeKalb County Courthouse, located in the center of the square, is a 1916 neoclassical building that now functions as a history museum and event venue.
The square is situated at the intersection of three major historic paths: the Ponce de Leon Avenue corridor and routes originally serving the Georgia Railroad.
Decatur is one of the few cities in the Atlanta metropolitan area that maintains a traditional 'square' layout rather than a strip-mall commercial center.
The square features a commemorative statue of Thomas Jefferson 'Stonewall' Jackson, whose removal was a focal point of local civic debate and historic preservation discussions.
Decatur Square acts as the primary venue for the annual AJC Decatur Book Festival, one of the largest independent book festivals in the country.
Decatur Square serves as the historic and social heart of downtown Decatur, Georgia, surrounding the Old DeKalb County Courthouse. The square functions as a central hub for pedestrian activity, bordered by various independent restaurants, retailers, and public greenspace. It is home to the DeKalb History Center, which occupies the historic courthouse building in the center of the square. The area frequently hosts large-scale community events including the Decatur Arts Festival and the Decatur Beach Party. The infrastructure prioritizes walkability, connecting directly to the adjacent MARTA rail station entrance. The square features permanent benches and landscaped seating areas designed for public gathering.
The steps of the Old DeKalb County Courthouse facing the square.
Parking can be competitive; use the designated public parking garages on Trinity Place or Commerce Drive instead of street parking.
Check the city event calendar before visiting, as the square is often closed to vehicle traffic for large community festivals.
Plan your visit to coincide with a weekday lunch to see the area during its most active professional period.
Do not rely on finding street-level parking during festival days or weekends, as spots fill rapidly.
Casual, comfortable walking attire; standard public park behavior expected.
