History of Bacon County, Georgia
Bacon County, located in the southeastern region of Georgia, has a rich and diverse history that spans from its Native American origins to its present-day agricultural prominence. Established in 1914, the county is named after Augustus Bacon, a former U.S. senator and prominent political figure from Georgia. Originally part of Appling County, Bacon County has grown from a rural settlement focused on agriculture and timber to a community with a strong identity and a focus on sustainable farming, forestry, and small-town living. The county has deep connections to Georgia’s history, particularly in its role in the Civil War and early settler development.
Origins and Early History
Native American Inhabitants
Before European settlers arrived in the region, the land that would become Bacon County was inhabited by various Native American tribes, most notably the Creek Nation. The Creek people were one of the largest and most powerful Native American groups in the southeastern United States. They lived in settled agricultural villages along the rivers, relying on fishing, hunting, and farming to sustain their communities. The region’s fertile land provided an ideal environment for agriculture, and the Creeks grew corn, beans, and squash, while also engaging in trade with other tribes and European settlers.
By the 18th century, European settlers, including the British, began encroaching on Creek lands, resulting in increasing tensions. The Georgia colony expanded rapidly, and by the early 19th century, the Creek Nation was forced to cede much of its land to the United States through treaties like the Treaty of Fort Jackson (1814), which followed the Creek War. These treaties ultimately led to the forced removal of the Creek people from Georgia during the infamous Trail of Tears in the 1830s.
Early European Settlement
The area now known as Bacon County was originally part of the land granted to early European settlers by the British government following the establishment of the colony of Georgia in 1732. The earliest settlers were primarily English and Scottish immigrants, with many coming from the coastal regions of Georgia. These settlers sought the fertile farmland in the interior of the state, and by the late 18th century, small farming communities began to form in the area.
In the early 1800s, the land was part of Appling County, one of the original counties of Georgia. Appling County was large and contained much of the southeastern Georgia region, including land that would later become Bacon County. During the early settlement years, the primary economic activities in the region were agriculture and timber harvesting, with cotton emerging as a major cash crop.
Formation of Bacon County
The Road to Independence
Bacon County was officially established on August 11, 1914, carved out from parts of Appling and Wayne counties. The creation of Bacon County was the result of local efforts to form a more easily accessible and administratively efficient county for residents of the area. With the county’s creation, many small towns and communities grew around local agricultural industries, including cotton and timber.
The county was named after Augustus Bacon, a U.S. senator from Georgia who served from 1895 to 1914. Bacon was a respected politician, having advocated for agriculture, education, and rural development during his tenure in Washington. His legacy as a staunch supporter of Georgia’s agricultural economy helped solidify his place in the county’s naming.
The establishment of the county represented a shift toward the region’s agricultural development. Unlike many other parts of Georgia, which had begun to industrialize, Bacon County remained predominantly rural, with farming and forestry as its economic backbone.
Early 20th Century Growth
At the time of its founding, Bacon County was primarily an agricultural area, with the timber industry also playing a significant role. The rich forests provided resources for sawmills, and pine trees were harvested for timber, which was used for construction and shipbuilding. The county’s proximity to both the Altamaha River and the Southern Railroad allowed for the transportation of goods to markets, including lumber, cotton, and farm produce.
In the early 20th century, Bacon County’s economy grew in line with the development of agriculture, especially cotton farming. The county’s small, rural communities were primarily focused on farming, and many people worked as tenant farmers on large plantations. By the 1930s, however, the Great Depression had a significant impact on the county’s economy, as it did across much of the United States. The collapse of crop prices and the struggles of the agricultural industry hurt Bacon County’s economy, and many families left the area in search of better opportunities.
Civil War and Post-War Impact
The Civil War
Bacon County, like much of Georgia, was deeply affected by the American Civil War (1861-1865). Although not directly on the frontlines of the conflict, Georgia was a critical battleground due to its agricultural importance and strategic location. Bacon County, primarily an agricultural region with many enslaved laborers, was strongly aligned with the Confederate States of America. The region’s economy was centered around cotton, and many farmers relied on enslaved labor to cultivate their crops.
During the war, Bacon County, like other southern counties, faced significant economic and social upheaval. Slavery was abolished with the 13th Amendment in 1865, which had a profound impact on the local agricultural economy. Many plantation owners struggled to transition from an economy based on forced labor to one reliant on paid workers.
After the war, Bacon County, like much of the South, entered a period of reconstruction, which brought further hardship as the region attempted to rebuild its economy and society. The post-war years were marked by economic instability, as the once-thriving agricultural economy struggled to recover.
The Development of Agriculture and Timber
By the late 19th century and early 20th century, Bacon County had recovered from the Civil War’s economic impact. The agricultural industry, particularly cotton and tobacco farming, began to thrive again, and the timber industry also saw growth. In fact, the production of timber played a crucial role in the economic development of the county, with logging companies taking advantage of the area’s vast forests.
Bacon County’s economy became more diversified as its timber industry expanded and new crops, such as peanuts and soybeans, began to supplement cotton farming. The arrival of railroads further bolstered Bacon County’s economy, allowing for more efficient transport of agricultural products and timber to markets.
20th Century: Growth and Challenges
The Great Depression and Recovery
As with many rural counties, Bacon County felt the effects of the Great Depression in the 1930s. The decline in agricultural prices, coupled with the droughts and economic hardships of the era, caused significant strain on the county’s residents. Many farmers lost their land, and the agricultural economy suffered.
However, after World War II, Bacon County began to see a slow recovery. The 1940s and 1950s brought improvements in agricultural technology, which allowed farmers to increase productivity. The county also saw the development of small businesses and an influx of federal programs aimed at helping rural America.
The Growth of Forestry and Industry
In the latter half of the 20th century, Bacon County’s economy shifted towards more diverse agricultural and industrial development. The timber industry, which had played such an important role in the county’s early growth, continued to thrive. The development of sawmills, pulp mills, and paper mills created jobs and brought new economic opportunities to the region.
At the same time, the growth of the chicken and peanut industries provided an additional boost to the local economy. Bacon County’s agricultural production continued to focus on crops like cotton, peanuts, and tobacco, while livestock and poultry farming became increasingly important.
21st Century: The Modern Era
Current Economy and Demographics
Today, Bacon County remains a primarily rural community with a focus on agriculture, forestry, and small industries. The county’s residents are largely involved in farming, raising livestock, and working in the timber industry. The economy has diversified somewhat, but agriculture remains a crucial aspect of daily life in Bacon County.
In recent years, the county has also made efforts to preserve its historical landmarks and attract tourism, while maintaining its agricultural roots. The region is known for its agricultural festivals, wildlife, and scenic beauty, making it an appealing destination for visitors seeking a quiet, rural getaway.
Historical Sites in Bacon County
1. Bacon County Courthouse
Overview
The Bacon County Courthouse, located in the county seat of Alma, is a historic landmark that has been a central part of the county since its founding. The courthouse is an excellent representation of early 20th-century Southern architecture and is a hub for the county’s government.
Location
Bacon County Courthouse, 1 Courthouse Square, Alma, GA
Ticket Price
Free (Public access)
Parking Information
Parking is available in front of the courthouse and in the nearby town square.
2. The Bacon County Historical Society Museum
Overview
The Bacon County Historical Society Museum offers a fascinating look at the region’s history, from Native American culture through the Civil War and into the 20th century. The museum includes exhibits on early settlers, the Civil War, and the agricultural history of the county.
Location
Bacon County Historical Society Museum, 404 West 12th St, Alma, GA
Ticket Price
Free (Donations accepted)
Parking Information
Street parking is available near the museum.
3. Altamaha River Heritage Area
Overview
The Altamaha River Heritage Area encompasses the region around the Altamaha River, a vital waterway for early settlers and the transportation of goods. The area features walking trails, historic markers, and opportunities to explore the river by boat.
Location
Altamaha River Heritage Area, near Alma, GA
Ticket Price
Free
Parking Information
Parking is available at various access points along the river.
County Facts
Geography and Climate
Bacon County is located in the southeastern part of Georgia, with a landscape dominated by flat farmland and wooded areas. The county has a mild, subtropical climate, with hot, humid summers and mild winters. It receives moderate rainfall throughout the year, which supports its agricultural economy.
Key Facts
- Year Founded: 1914
- County Seat: Alma
- Population: 11,000 (estimated 2020)
- Population Density: 47.5 people per square mile
- Largest Cities: Alma, Nicholls, Patterson
- Major Highways: U.S. Highway 1, U.S. Highway 23, Georgia Highway 32
- Adjacent Counties: Appling County (north), Coffee County (west), Ware County (south), Pierce County (east)
