National Register Listing

Appling County Courthouse

Courthouse Sq., Baxley, GA
As a repository for records of marriages, wills, and land transactions, the courthouse chronicles the county and is a focal point in the life of every citizen.
Local significance of the building:
Landscape Architecture; Economics; Politics/government; Architecture; Communications

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1980.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

landscape architecture economics politics government architecture communications law courthouses buildings
During the American Revolution, Georgia was the site of several important battles, including the Battle of Kettle Creek in 1779, which was a significant victory for the Patriot forces.
Georgia random facts
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.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Appling County, Georgia.

  • 1818 - Appling County is created by an act of the Georgia General Assembly.
  • 1820 - The county is named in honor of Daniel Appling, a US Army officer who fought in the War of 1812.
  • 1822 - The first courthouse is built in the county.
  • 1861-1865 - Appling County actively participates in the American Civil War.
  • 1872 - The county seat is moved from Holmesville to Baxley.
  • 1905 - The first newspaper, "The Appling County News", is established.
  • 1960s - Appling County is impacted by the Civil Rights Movement.
  • 1990 - The Appling County Historical Society is founded.
  • 2005 - The county celebrates its bicentennial.