Gillespie-Selden Historic District
Roughly bounded by Railroad, 10th, and 15th Sts., and 16th Ave., Cordele, GA Local significance of the district: Black; Education; Architecture; Religion; Health/medicine; Community Planning And Development
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1998.
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.
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.
About Crisp County
Crisp County Timeline
Crisp County is located in the state of Georgia, USA, and its history dates back to the early 19th century. The county was established on August 17, 1905, and it was named after Charles Frederick Crisp, who served as a Speaker of the United States House of Representatives. Prior to its establishment, the area was inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Creek and the Cherokee.
The early settlers of Crisp County were mainly farmers, and the agricultural industry played a vital role in the county's development. Cotton became the primary crop, and the region quickly became one of the leading cotton-producing areas in the state. The influx of settlers, combined with the growth of the cotton industry, led to the establishment of several towns within the county, including Cordele, the county seat.
During the early 20th century, the county experienced significant economic growth. The construction of railroads, such as the Albany and Northern Railroad, and the Georgia and Alabama Railroad, boosted transportation and trade in the area. This allowed Crisp County to expand its agricultural production and establish thriving industries, including lumber, manufacturing, and commerce.
In recent years, Crisp County has focused on diversifying its economy. While agriculture remains an important sector, the county has seen growth in other industries, such as logistics, distribution, and healthcare. Additionally, Crisp County is known for its natural beauty, with Lake Blackshear attracting tourists and residents alike for recreational activities. Today, the county continues to evolve, balancing its rich historical heritage with a vision for a prosperous and sustainable future.
The early settlers of Crisp County were mainly farmers, and the agricultural industry played a vital role in the county's development. Cotton became the primary crop, and the region quickly became one of the leading cotton-producing areas in the state. The influx of settlers, combined with the growth of the cotton industry, led to the establishment of several towns within the county, including Cordele, the county seat.
During the early 20th century, the county experienced significant economic growth. The construction of railroads, such as the Albany and Northern Railroad, and the Georgia and Alabama Railroad, boosted transportation and trade in the area. This allowed Crisp County to expand its agricultural production and establish thriving industries, including lumber, manufacturing, and commerce.
In recent years, Crisp County has focused on diversifying its economy. While agriculture remains an important sector, the county has seen growth in other industries, such as logistics, distribution, and healthcare. Additionally, Crisp County is known for its natural beauty, with Lake Blackshear attracting tourists and residents alike for recreational activities. Today, the county continues to evolve, balancing its rich historical heritage with a vision for a prosperous and sustainable future.
Crisp County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Crisp County, Georgia.
- Early 1800s: Native American tribes, including the Creek and Cherokee, inhabit the area that is now Crisp County.
- 1820s: The land where Crisp County is located is acquired from the Creek Indians through the Treaty of Indian Springs.
- 1830: The area sees an influx of settlers, primarily from North Carolina and South Carolina, establishing farms and plantations.
- 1892: Crisp County is officially created from Dooly County, named in honor of Charles Frederick Crisp, a Georgia congressman and Speaker of the House.
- 1911: The Georgia and Florida Railroad is constructed, providing an economic boost to the county and promoting growth.
- 1920s-1930s: The arrival of the automobile and improved transportation networks spur economic development and the growth of towns like Cordele.
- 1940s-1950s: Crisp County experiences significant agricultural development, becoming one of the leading producers of watermelon and pecans in the state.
- 1960s-1970s: The construction of Interstate 75 through Crisp County further enhances its transportation infrastructure and accessibility.
- 1980s-present: Crisp County continues to thrive economically, diversifying its industries beyond agriculture and promoting tourism and recreational activities.