Berrien County Courthouse
Town Square, Nashville, GA Local significance of the building: Politics/government; Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1977.
About National Register Listings
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.
The largest land battle of the Civil War, the Battle of Chickamauga, took place in Georgia in 1863. Over 34,000 Union and Confederate soldiers were killed, wounded, or missing in the battle.
About Berrien County
Berrien County Timeline
Berrien County, Georgia, located in the southern part of the state, has a rich and vibrant history that dates back centuries. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Creek and Seminole peoples, who relied on the fertile land for agriculture and hunting.
In the early 19th century, European settlers began to migrate to the area, establishing homesteads and farms. The county was officially created in 1856 and named after John Macpherson Berrien, a prominent political figure in Georgia and the United States. Agriculture, particularly cotton farming, became the backbone of the local economy, and slave labor was used extensively.
During the Civil War, Berrien County, like much of Georgia, was deeply affected by the conflict. Many local men enlisted in the Confederate Army, and the area saw several skirmishes and battles. Union troops occupied the county for a period of time, causing widespread disruption and displacement.
In the post-war period, Berrien County experienced a shift in its economy as cotton production declined and other crops, such as tobacco and peanuts, became more prominent. The county also saw the growth of industries like timber and turpentine, which contributed to its economic development.
Today, Berrien County is known for its diverse agricultural sector, with a focus on crops such as peanuts, corn, and blueberries. The area also offers various recreational activities, including fishing and hunting, and is home to several historical sites that preserve its past. Berrien County continues to thrive as a close-knit community with a deep appreciation for its rich heritage.
In the early 19th century, European settlers began to migrate to the area, establishing homesteads and farms. The county was officially created in 1856 and named after John Macpherson Berrien, a prominent political figure in Georgia and the United States. Agriculture, particularly cotton farming, became the backbone of the local economy, and slave labor was used extensively.
During the Civil War, Berrien County, like much of Georgia, was deeply affected by the conflict. Many local men enlisted in the Confederate Army, and the area saw several skirmishes and battles. Union troops occupied the county for a period of time, causing widespread disruption and displacement.
In the post-war period, Berrien County experienced a shift in its economy as cotton production declined and other crops, such as tobacco and peanuts, became more prominent. The county also saw the growth of industries like timber and turpentine, which contributed to its economic development.
Today, Berrien County is known for its diverse agricultural sector, with a focus on crops such as peanuts, corn, and blueberries. The area also offers various recreational activities, including fishing and hunting, and is home to several historical sites that preserve its past. Berrien County continues to thrive as a close-knit community with a deep appreciation for its rich heritage.
Berrien County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Berrien County, Georgia.
- 1790 - The area that is now Berrien County was part of the state of Georgia, which was still under the control of the Creek Native Americans.
- 1825 - The Treaty of Indian Springs was signed, ceding Creek lands to Georgia.
- 1830 - The Indian Removal Act was passed by the U.S. Congress, leading to the forced removal of Creek Native Americans to lands west of the Mississippi River.
- 1832 - Berrien County was created from parts of Early and Irwin counties and named after John MacPherson Berrien, a U.S. Attorney General.
- 1840 - The first permanent settlers arrived in what is now Berrien County.
- 1856 - The county seat was established in Nashville, which was named after Nashville, Tennessee.
- 1861-1865 - Berrien County residents fought in the American Civil War, with many men serving in the Confederate Army.
- 1871 - The Atlantic and Gulf Railroad reached Berrien County, stimulating economic growth.
- 1906 - A fire destroyed much of Nashville, including the courthouse, necessitating the construction of a new courthouse.
- 1915 - The first paved road, the Dixie Highway, was completed in Berrien County.
- 1954 - Reed Bingham State Park was established, providing outdoor recreation opportunities for residents and visitors.
- 2000s - Berrien County continues to grow and develop, with a diverse economy that includes agriculture, manufacturing, and services.