Originally called Leakesville, the city was later renamed for Samuel Goode Jones, a civil engineer who once helped revive the struggling local economy. The Jonesboro of today is located a short 20 minutes away from Atlanta and 12 miles south of Hartsfield Atlanta International Airport. Jonesboro's Main Street buildings, some dating back to the mid-1800s, have been renovated and now house elegant antique shops, gift shops, and government offices. Jonesboro's diverse selection of housing includes stately traditional homes as well as historic estates from the Antebellum period. Showcasing newer ideas in housing design, picturesque Lake Spivey serves as the centerpiece for a distinct collection of new golf communities. Jonesboro residents are also afforded convenient access to Southlake Mall, one of the largest shopping centers in the region.