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The LaGrange City Council passed on first reading Tuesday a proposed renaming for a portion of Miller Street, specifically the portion running from Miller Street to S. Greenwood Street. Alton West, director of Community Development, said at the council’s work session Tuesday that the proposed renaming of the Miller Street portion would be W. Mulberry Street.

This would be in order to match the street’s name to the connected W. Mulberry Street where several developments within the city — including the extension of The Thread — are taking place.

“We want to bring additional revenue into the area,” West said, noting Visit LaGrange’s recent efforts to bring in the historic Horace King bridge to Mulberry Street and identify graves at the connected cemetery. 

Renaming Miller Street would clear up confusion in the area, West said. Currently, Miller Street shares the same road with W. Mulberry Street. Douglas Street spurs off the shared road. West said the renaming would have very little impact on area residents. Only two residents live on the section of Miller Street the city wants to rename.

The residents, West said, would have to update their identity cards and mailing addresses if the street is renamed.

Area businesses such as Hawkins Oil Co. Plant and Jackson Beverages would not be affected. 

“The impact will really take place when you go across the railroad tracks,” West said. 

Through historical research, West said he discovered that Mulberry Street was not named after anyone in particular but rather the mulberry trees that grew in the area. According to information gathered by the Troup County Historical Archives, Miller Street was named after  Thomas Compton Miller who served twice as sheriff of Troup County in 1858-1861 and then 1869-1875.

A second reading for the renaming will be held in an upcoming city council meeting.