In 1918, Dr. J.G. Smith developed plans for a hydroelectric generating power plant on Cotton Indian Creek at Kelleytown. The cost of the project was a staggering $100,000. The water that powered the plant was diverted from the course of Cotton Indian Creek by Smith's Dam just east of Crumbley Road. From this point the water traveled one mile (1.6 km) through a race to the Power House at Airline Road. Thanks to Dr. Smith, homes in Kelleytown had power before McDonough!
Dr. Smith lived on Macon Street in downtown McDonough, and is recognized as having contributed more to the development of McDonough than any other individual in its history. He established McDonough's first water system. In addition to a successful medical practice (he was County physician), he owned the first Chevrolet dealership in Henry County and the local ice company. Most importantly, he installed a steam engine and electric generator near the McDonough Depot that provided the people of McDonough with their first electric street lights.
The concrete turbine shafts from the power plant are still visible today from the modern bridge on Airline Road (near the present-day Crown River and Cotton Creek subdivisions).
