National Register Listing

Crawford County Courthouse

U.S. 80, Knoxville, GA
Local significance of the building:
Economics; Law; Politics/government; Architecture; Communications

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1980.

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.

economics law politics government architecture communications courthouses buildings
In 1958, Georgia became the first state to lower the voting age from 21 to 18, although this was later overturned by the Supreme Court.
Georgia random facts
Crawford County, located in central Georgia, has a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1822. The county was named in honor of William Harris Crawford, a prominent statesman and politician of the era. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Creek and Cherokee peoples, who were forcibly removed westward during the early 19th century.

During the antebellum period, Crawford County thrived as an agricultural hub, with cotton being the primary cash crop. Plantations dotted the landscape, worked by enslaved African Americans. The county's economy was heavily reliant on slave labor, and its population grew as more settlers moved in search of wealth and opportunity. The arrival of the railroad in the mid-1800s marked a significant turning point for the county's development, facilitating trade and transportation.

The Civil War had a lasting impact on Crawford County, as its young men were called upon to fight for the Confederacy. The county experienced a decline in population and economic activity during the war, and many local infrastructure and buildings were destroyed. The post-war era brought challenges such as Reconstruction and the transition to a free labor system, but the county slowly began to recover and rebuild.

In the 20th century, Crawford County embraced modernization and witnessed significant changes. The expansion of transportation networks, including improved roads and highways, facilitated easier access to neighboring cities like Macon and Atlanta. Agriculture remained an important part of the county's economy, but new industries, such as manufacturing and services, also emerged. Today, Crawford County continues to evolve, balancing its agricultural heritage with the demands of a changing economic landscape while preserving its historical legacy.

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

  • 1800: Crawford County is established as part of the state of Georgia.
  • 1820: The population of Crawford County reaches over 7,000 residents.
  • 1822: Knoxville is established as the county seat of Crawford County.
  • 1832: The Central of Georgia Railroad is completed, passing through Crawford County and boosting economic growth.
  • 1861-1865: Crawford County residents fight in the American Civil War.
  • 1871: Knoxville is renamed Roberta.
  • 1883: The Southwestern Railroad is built, connecting Roberta to other parts of Georgia.
  • 1900: The population of Crawford County peaks at over 12,000 residents.
  • 1999: The Flint River floods Crawford County, causing significant damage.
  • 2009: Crawford County celebrates its bicentennial since its establishment.