Beginning as a gold-mining town, Tallapoosa was known by several names in its early days, including Possum Snout (named after a local Indian chief), Pineville, and Pine Grove. The name Tallapoosa was taken from the nearby river. In 1839, Tallapoosa established a post office, and the town was incorporated in 1860.
In late 1886, businessman Ralph L. Spencer arrived in Tallapoosa and launched a variety of ventures. Spencer is credited with creating the late nineteenth-century boom that helped shape the town we know today.
Tallapoosa is a small town in a quaint, picturesque setting, with historic homes, museums, and parks. Although located just off busy I-20, visitors quickly feel the relaxed pace and friendly smiles that define this community. Many honorable citizens have come from this area, as recognized at the Veterans Memorial and Medal of Honor Park.
Once known as Possum Snout, Tallapoosa now celebrates its heritage every year with the Possum Drop, a New Year’s Eve tradition that began in the mid-1990s. The possum used in the celebration is a stuffed possum named “Spencer,” after Ralph L. Spencer. The possum was found deceased on a local roadway by taxidermist Bud Jones years before the event began, and his story was later featured in an NPR report on Bud and Jackie Jones.
Today, the Possum Drop has grown into the biggest family event of the year in West Georgia and is recognized as one of the best Family New Year’s Eve celebrations in the state, ranking first in most internet searches for family NYE events in Georgia and placing No. 3 in the nation in the 2025 USA Today Readers’ Choice Survey. The event draws 12,000–14,000 in-person attendees plus thousands more via livestream from Carrollton and the surrounding west Georgia/east Alabama region.
Beyond its social and cultural impact, the Possum Drop generates significant economic impact and tourism, drawing visitors who support local restaurants, retailers, and lodging while strengthening community pride. Centered on families and children, the Possum Drop offers a safe, active, and educational celebration that encourages healthier lifestyles and brings the region together to welcome the New Year.
