National Register Listings in
Clinch County, Georgia

The state of Georgia was home to the first American-born saint, Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, who founded the Sacred Heart Orphanage in Savannah in 1900.
Clinch County, Georgia, located in the southeastern part of the state, has a unique and rich history that dates back centuries. The county was created in 1850 and was named after Duncan Lamont Clinch, a prominent figure in the state's history and the General of the Georgia militia.

Before European settlement, the area was inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Creek and Timucua peoples. The first European settlers arrived in the late 1700s, establishing farms and plantations. These early settlers faced challenges such as conflicts with Native Americans and the harsh and untamed wilderness.

The county played a significant role in the American Civil War. Many residents served in the Confederate Army, and several battles and skirmishes were fought in the area. The Battle of Santa Rosa Creek, fought in 1864, was a major engagement that resulted in Confederate victory. The war brought devastation to the region, with social and economic repercussions lasting for decades.

In the years following the Civil War, Clinch County experienced a slow but steady growth in population and development. Agriculture, particularly the cultivation of cotton and tobacco, became the backbone of the local economy. Farms and plantations were established, and the county saw the construction of railroads, schools, and churches. Today, Clinch County remains a rural and agricultural community, preserving its heritage while also embracing modern industry and technology.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Clinch County, Georgia.

  • 1818 - Clinch County is created on February 14 as a result of the Treaty of Fort Jackson.
  • 1830s - The first settlers, mainly farmers, begin to arrive in the area.
  • 1850 - The county's first post office, called 'Magnolia,' is established.
  • 1856 - The county seat is officially named as 'Clinchton,' which later becomes 'Homerville' in 1861.
  • 1860s - The Civil War brings hardships to the county, with many residents serving in the Confederate Army.
  • 1872 - The Georgia state legislature grants a charter to the Brunswick and Western Railroad, which enhances transportation in the county.
  • 1910 - The county courthouse, now known as the 'Clinch County Historic Courthouse,' is constructed in Homerville.
  • 1950s - Bordered by the Okefenokee Swamp, tourism and hunting activities begin to develop in Clinch County.
  • 1970s - Agriculture remains a vital part of the county's economy with tobacco, peanuts, and cotton as major crops.
  • 2004 - The Okefenokee Adventure Race, an annual event, is initiated to promote the natural resources and recreational opportunities in the area.