Pulitzer Prize Winner Caroline Pafford Miller

Appling County, Georgia, has a rich and varied history that dates back centuries. The area that is now Appling County was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Creek, Cherokee, and Timucua peoples. European settlers began to arrive in the 18th century, including Spanish explorers and British colonists.

In the late 1700s, the Georgia state legislature established Appling County as one of the original counties of the state. The county was named after Colonel Daniel Appling, a hero of the War of 1812. Appling County played a significant role in the early years of the United States, providing soldiers for various conflicts and contributing to the agricultural and economic growth of the region.

Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, Appling County's economy relied heavily on agriculture, particularly the production of cotton. The county also became an important transportation hub with the arrival of the Brunswick and Western Railroad in the late 1800s. The railroad facilitated the transport of goods and people, stimulating further growth and development in the area.

Today, Appling County continues to be primarily rural, with agriculture and forestry remaining important economic sectors. The county is also known for its natural beauty, including the Altamaha River, which flows through the region and provides opportunities for outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. Despite its small population, Appling County has a rich and diverse history that reflects the cultural heritage of the Deep South.