Reidsville, the county seat of Tattnall County, was incorporated in 1838. The city was named for Robert E. Reid, a Superior Court Judge.

The Georgia State Penitentiary, the state’s central holding facility, is located just south of Reidsville. This is Georgia’s oldest state prison, and was constructed of marble in 1936. The prison is a large contributor to the city’s economy. The facility also houses a full-farming operation including diary, swine, agriculture, and cannery.