Gaskin Avenue Historic District
Roughly bounded by Madison Ave., Wilson St., Pearl Ave., Gordon St., McDonald Ave., Atlantic Coastline RR and Coffee Ave, Douglas, GA Local significance of the district: Landscape Architecture; Community Planning And Development; Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1993.
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.
Georgia was the site of the first American gold rush, but it was also the site of the first American oil rush. In 1905, oil was discovered in Bibb County, and the state's oil industry began to grow rapidly.
About Coffee County
Coffee County Timeline
Coffee County, located in the state of Georgia, has a rich and diverse history that spans many centuries. The land that now makes up Coffee County was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Creek and Seminole peoples. European settlers began to arrive in the area in the late 18th century.
The county was officially established on February 9, 1854, and was named after General John Coffee, a prominent figure in the Creek War and the War of 1812. Coffee County was formed from parts of Telfair, Clinch, and Irwin counties. The county seat, Douglas, was incorporated in 1895 and named after Stephen A. Douglas, a senator from Illinois.
Agriculture played a vital role in Coffee County's early economy. The county was primarily a cotton-producing region, and many plantations were established throughout the 19th century. With the arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s, the county's economy expanded further. The rail lines facilitated trade, making the transport of goods more efficient, and brought new opportunities for growth and prosperity.
Coffee County played a significant role in the Civil War. Many of its residents joined the Confederate cause, and the county experienced several skirmishes and battles. After the war, the county faced significant challenges during the Reconstruction era, but managed to rebuild and develop. Today, Coffee County remains a hub of agricultural activity, particularly in the production of peanuts, timber, and poultry.
In summary, Coffee County has a diverse and storied history that encompasses Native American settlements, European colonization, agricultural development, and its role in the Civil War. From its establishment in the mid-19th century to present day, Coffee County has continued to thrive and evolve, preserving its historical heritage while also adapting to the changing times.
The county was officially established on February 9, 1854, and was named after General John Coffee, a prominent figure in the Creek War and the War of 1812. Coffee County was formed from parts of Telfair, Clinch, and Irwin counties. The county seat, Douglas, was incorporated in 1895 and named after Stephen A. Douglas, a senator from Illinois.
Agriculture played a vital role in Coffee County's early economy. The county was primarily a cotton-producing region, and many plantations were established throughout the 19th century. With the arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s, the county's economy expanded further. The rail lines facilitated trade, making the transport of goods more efficient, and brought new opportunities for growth and prosperity.
Coffee County played a significant role in the Civil War. Many of its residents joined the Confederate cause, and the county experienced several skirmishes and battles. After the war, the county faced significant challenges during the Reconstruction era, but managed to rebuild and develop. Today, Coffee County remains a hub of agricultural activity, particularly in the production of peanuts, timber, and poultry.
In summary, Coffee County has a diverse and storied history that encompasses Native American settlements, European colonization, agricultural development, and its role in the Civil War. From its establishment in the mid-19th century to present day, Coffee County has continued to thrive and evolve, preserving its historical heritage while also adapting to the changing times.
Coffee County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Coffee County, Georgia.
- 1830 - Coffee County is created by the Georgia legislature.
- 1854 - The town of Douglas is established as the county seat.
- 1861-1865 - Coffee County, like much of the country, is affected by the Civil War.
- 1876 - The first railroad, the Atlantic and Gulf Railroad, reaches Douglas.
- 1895 - The Douglas Enterprise, the county's first newspaper, is established.
- 1906 - The city of Broxton is incorporated.
- 1917-1918 - Coffee County participates in World War I with many soldiers serving.
- 1920s - The boll weevil infestation affects the county's cotton industry.
- 1930s - Coffee County experiences economic hardships during the Great Depression.
- 1941-1945 - Many residents of Coffee County serve in World War II.
- 1977 - The General Coffee State Park is created, providing outdoor recreational opportunities.
- 1999 - The Coffee County Courthouse is destroyed by a fire.
- 2005 - Coffee County experiences significant damage from Hurricane Katrina.