Historical Markers in Bleckley County, Georgia
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 Bleckley County
Bleckley County Timeline
Bleckley County, Georgia, located in the central part of the state, has a rich history that stretches back centuries. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Creek Indians, who were forced to cede their lands through treaties with the United States government in the early 19th century. The land was then opened up for white settlers, leading to the establishment of the county in 1912.
The county was named after Logan Edwin Bleckley, a prominent jurist and Chief Justice of the Georgia Supreme Court from 1887 until his death in 1899. Bleckley County began as an agricultural community, with cotton being the primary crop. The construction of railroads in the late 19th century brought new opportunities for trade and transportation, leading to the growth of the county's economy.
In the early 20th century, Bleckley County played a significant role in World War II. Cochran Army Airfield, located just outside the city of Cochran, became a vital training facility for the United States Army Air Forces. Thousands of pilots were trained at this base, contributing to the war effort. After the war, the military presence decreased, but the county continued to thrive.
Today, Bleckley County has evolved into a diverse community with a mix of agricultural and industrial businesses. The county is home to several notable sites, such as the Middle Georgia State University - Cochran Campus and the newly renovated Hawkinsville Opera House. With its rich history and natural beauty, Bleckley County remains an important part of Georgia's heritage.
The county was named after Logan Edwin Bleckley, a prominent jurist and Chief Justice of the Georgia Supreme Court from 1887 until his death in 1899. Bleckley County began as an agricultural community, with cotton being the primary crop. The construction of railroads in the late 19th century brought new opportunities for trade and transportation, leading to the growth of the county's economy.
In the early 20th century, Bleckley County played a significant role in World War II. Cochran Army Airfield, located just outside the city of Cochran, became a vital training facility for the United States Army Air Forces. Thousands of pilots were trained at this base, contributing to the war effort. After the war, the military presence decreased, but the county continued to thrive.
Today, Bleckley County has evolved into a diverse community with a mix of agricultural and industrial businesses. The county is home to several notable sites, such as the Middle Georgia State University - Cochran Campus and the newly renovated Hawkinsville Opera House. With its rich history and natural beauty, Bleckley County remains an important part of Georgia's heritage.
Bleckley County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Bleckley County, Georgia.
- 1912 - Bleckley County is established on July 30.
- 1914 - The first courthouse is completed in Cochran, the county seat.
- 1920 - Population of Bleckley County reaches 9,087.
- 1936 - The first paved road is built in Bleckley County.
- 1950 - The population of Bleckley County is 10,146.
- 1977 - The Hawkinsville Bleckley Industrial Park is established.
- 1989 - Bleckley County celebrates its 75th anniversary.
- 2000 - The population of Bleckley County is 11,666.
- 2018 - Macon State College (now Middle Georgia State University) opens a campus in Cochran.