National Register Listing

Dade County Courthouse

Courthouse Sq., Trenton, 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
Georgia has a strong military history and has been the site of several important military installations, including Fort Benning, which is home to the U.S. Army Infantry School.
Georgia random facts
Dade County, located in the northwestern corner of Georgia, has a rich and fascinating history that stretches back to prehistoric times. Archaeological evidence suggests that the area was inhabited by Native American groups, including the Cherokee, as early as 13,000 years ago. However, European settlement began in the 18th century when French and Spanish explorers entered the region.

In 1837, Dade County was officially established, named in honor of Major Francis L. Dade, a soldier who died during the Second Seminole War. The county's early economy was primarily agricultural, with settlers growing crops such as corn, wheat, and cotton. The construction of the Western and Atlantic Railroad in the 1840s brought further development and economic growth to the area.

During the American Civil War, Dade County was strategically significant due to its location near the Tennessee and Alabama borders. It experienced several skirmishes and military actions, including the Battle of Davis's Cross Roads in 1863. Dade County suffered both economically and socially during the war, with many of its young men enlisting in the Confederate army.

In the 20th century, Dade County saw significant progress in various areas. The arrival of electricity and the establishment of modern transportation systems paved the way for industrialization. Additionally, tourism became an important aspect of the county's economy, as people were attracted to its natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities such as the Lookout Mountain and Cloudland Canyon State Park. Today, Dade County continues to thrive, preserving its historical sites and embracing its natural resources while also adapting to the changing needs and demands of the modern world.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Dade County, Georgia.

  • 1833: Dade County was established on December 25 as one of Georgia's newest counties.
  • 1861-1865: During the Civil War, Dade County actively supported the Confederacy.
  • 1867: Dade County suffered from economic hardships as a result of the war.
  • 1895: Coal mining became an important industry in Dade County.
  • 1940s: During World War II, Dade County experienced population growth due to the location of a large military base nearby.
  • 1958: Dade County gained national attention when a local woman, Margaret Seddon, became a NASA astronaut.
  • 1993: The famous "Dade Battle" of the Civil War, also known as the Great Locomotive Chase, was reenacted in Dade County.
  • 2000s: Dade County continues to thrive as a tourist destination and outdoor recreation hub, known for its natural beauty and scenic attractions.