The Bell House / Robert McDuffie Center for Strings
Historical marker location:
315 College St, Macon, Georgia
( Marker is on College Street south of Stewarts Lane, on the right when traveling south.)
/ Historic Macon Music Registry
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The state of Georgia has produced many notable musicians, including Ray Charles, James Brown, Otis Redding, and the Allman Brothers Band.
About Bibb County
Bibb County Timeline
Bibb County, Georgia has a rich and diverse history that spans back to its establishment in the early 19th century. The county was created in 1822 and named in honor of William Wyatt Bibb, the first elected Governor of Alabama and a United States Senator from Georgia. Settlers from various backgrounds, including Native Americans and European colonists, were drawn to the fertile lands and natural resources of the area.
During the 19th century, Bibb County experienced substantial growth as cotton became a dominant industry. Plantations sprung up across the county, supported by a large number of enslaved African Americans who were forced into labor. The county became an important center for cotton production and trade, attracting wealthy plantation owners and boosting the region's economy.
The Civil War brought significant challenges to Bibb County, as it did to many southern counties. The area was occupied by Union troops for a time, and many citizens faced the destruction and financial ruin caused by the conflict. Despite these difficulties, the county gradually recovered and continued to develop its agricultural and industrial sectors in the post-war years.
Throughout the 20th century, Bibb County saw further diversification of its economy. The development of the rail system, along with advancements in technology, helped to establish the county as a transportation and manufacturing hub. Macon, the county seat and largest city, became known as the "Heart of Georgia" due to its central location and its crucial role in the state's economic growth.
Today, Bibb County boasts a flourishing economy with a mix of industries such as healthcare, education, manufacturing, and logistics. It is also home to several renowned educational institutions, including Mercer University. The county continues to preserve its historical landmarks, such as the Hay House and the Ocmulgee National Monument, and celebrates its diverse cultural heritage through various annual events and festivals.
During the 19th century, Bibb County experienced substantial growth as cotton became a dominant industry. Plantations sprung up across the county, supported by a large number of enslaved African Americans who were forced into labor. The county became an important center for cotton production and trade, attracting wealthy plantation owners and boosting the region's economy.
The Civil War brought significant challenges to Bibb County, as it did to many southern counties. The area was occupied by Union troops for a time, and many citizens faced the destruction and financial ruin caused by the conflict. Despite these difficulties, the county gradually recovered and continued to develop its agricultural and industrial sectors in the post-war years.
Throughout the 20th century, Bibb County saw further diversification of its economy. The development of the rail system, along with advancements in technology, helped to establish the county as a transportation and manufacturing hub. Macon, the county seat and largest city, became known as the "Heart of Georgia" due to its central location and its crucial role in the state's economic growth.
Today, Bibb County boasts a flourishing economy with a mix of industries such as healthcare, education, manufacturing, and logistics. It is also home to several renowned educational institutions, including Mercer University. The county continues to preserve its historical landmarks, such as the Hay House and the Ocmulgee National Monument, and celebrates its diverse cultural heritage through various annual events and festivals.
Bibb County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Bibb County, Georgia.
- 1822 - Bibb County is established on December 9.
- 1823 - Macon is chosen as the county seat.
- 1836 - Wesleyan College, the first college in the world chartered to grant degrees to women, is founded in Macon.
- 1864 - Macon is captured and occupied by Union forces during the Civil War.
- 1895 - The Ocmulgee National Monument is established near Macon.
- 1942 - Robins Air Force Base is established in Warner Robins.
- 1955 - The Tubman Museum, dedicated to African American art, history, and culture, opens in Macon.
- 1970 - Macon-Bibb County is consolidated, combining the city of Macon with Bibb County.
- 1996 - The Georgia Music Hall of Fame opens in Macon.
- 2014 - Macon-Bibb County becomes a consolidated city-county government.