National Register Listing

Reese Street Historic District

Roughly bounded by Meigs, Finley, Broad, & Harris Sts., Athens, GA
Local significance of the district:
Community Planning And Development; Black; Education; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1987.

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.

community planning and development ethnic heritage black education architecture
The city of Atlanta hosted the Summer Olympics in 1996, and it was the first time that a bomb exploded at the Olympic Games, killing two people and injuring over 100 others.
Georgia random facts
Clarke County, GA, located in the northeastern part of the state, has a rich history that dates back centuries. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Creek and Cherokee tribes, who utilized the fertile land for agriculture.

In 1801, the Georgia General Assembly designated Clarke County as one of the initial counties in the state. The county was named after Elijah Clarke, a war hero from the American Revolution. As settlers moved into the area, Clarke County became an essential center of trade and agriculture, known for its cotton production and prosperous plantations.

During the Civil War, the county experienced significant challenges and upheavals. With the end of slavery, many African Americans embraced new opportunities and established their own businesses and institutions in the county. This period also saw the establishment of the University of Georgia in 1785, making Athens, the county seat, a prominent center for education and intellectual growth.

In the 20th century, Clarke County witnessed a period of growth and transformation. The University of Georgia continued to expand, becoming a major economic and cultural force in the region. The civil rights movement also had a significant impact on the county, with protests and demonstrations taking place in Athens. These efforts led to important changes in civil rights legislation and a more inclusive society.

Today, Clarke County is a vibrant community that showcases its rich history while embracing progress and innovation. With a diverse population and a thriving arts and music scene, the county continues to be a hub of cultural activity in Georgia.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Clarke County, Georgia.

  • 1785 - Clarke County, GA is established as one of the original counties of Georgia.
  • 1801 - The University of Georgia is founded in Athens, the county seat of Clarke County.
  • 1875 - The county courthouse, known as the Clarke County Courthouse, is constructed.
  • 1937 - The WPA-built Georgia State Botanical Garden opens in Athens, showcasing the natural beauty of the region.
  • 1961 - The Athens-Clarke County Unified Government is formed, combining the city of Athens and Clarke County.
  • 1996 - The Stegeman Coliseum, a multi-purpose arena located on the University of Georgia campus, undergoes a major renovation.