National Register Listing

Decatur County Courthouse

West and Water Sts., Bainbridge, 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
The famous Coca-Cola soft drink was invented in Georgia in 1886 by pharmacist John Pemberton.
Georgia random facts
Decatur County, located in the southwestern part of Georgia, has a rich history that dates back centuries. The region was originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Creek, Cherokee, and Seminole. It wasn't until the early 19th century that European settlers began to make their way into the area.

In 1823, the county of Decatur was officially established, named after Commodore Stephen Decatur, a renowned naval hero of the War of 1812. The county's first seat of government was established in the town of St. Mount Enon, but it was later moved to Bainbridge in 1829. This shift led to the growth of Bainbridge as the county's primary city and the center of government, commerce, and education.

Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, Decatur County thrived on agriculture, particularly cotton farming. The fertile soil and favorable climate made it an ideal location for cotton plantations, and slavery played a significant role in the region's economy. The cotton industry contributed to the growth of the county, attracting settlers and leading to the development of small towns and communities.

However, like many other Southern states, Decatur County faced challenges during the Civil War and Reconstruction era. The county suffered significant economic damage and social unrest, and many residents struggled to rebuild their lives in its aftermath. Despite these difficulties, the county gradually recovered and diversified its economy, moving away from dependence on cotton and embracing other sectors like timber, manufacturing, and tourism.

Today, Decatur County is known for its natural beauty, historic landmarks, and cultural heritage. The county has preserved its historical sites, such as the former county courthouse, which now serves as a museum dedicated to the area's history. With a thriving agricultural sector, tourism, and a growing industrial base, Decatur County continues to evolve while honoring its rich past.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Decatur County, Georgia.

  • 1823: Decatur County is created from portions of Early County and that part of land ceded by the Creek Indians in the Treaty of Indian Springs.
  • 1824: Bainbridge becomes the county seat of Decatur County.
  • 1825: The county is named in honor of Commodore Stephen Decatur, a hero of the War of 1812.
  • 1836: Decatur County residents participate in the Creek Indian removals, known as the Trail of Tears.
  • 1850s: The development of the county is influenced by the arrival of the railroad.
  • 1861-1865: Decatur County is heavily impacted by the American Civil War.
  • 1872: The Bainbridge Female Seminary is established.
  • 1898: Bainbridge is incorporated as a city.
  • 1917-1919: The Great Depression and World War I bring financial hardships to the county.
  • 1957: The integration of public schools, following the landmark Supreme Court ruling in Brown v. Board of Education, occurs in Decatur County.
  • 2002: Bainbridge State College is founded.