Greene County, Georgia

Greene County, Georgia, is located in the central part of the state and has a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1786. The county was named after General Nathanael Greene, a Revolutionary War hero who served under General George Washington. Initially, Greene County had a primarily agrarian economy, with cotton becoming the dominant crop in the antebellum period.

During the Civil War, Greene County experienced the hardships and tensions of the era. Like many southern counties, it faced economic struggles and a divided population. Union troops occupied areas of the county, leading to property damage and disruptions in daily life. Following the war, the county slowly rebuilt and transitioned to a more diversified economy, focusing on agriculture, timber, and manufacturing.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Greene County played a significant role in the civil rights movement. As African Americans fought for equal rights, notable civil rights leaders such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Fannie Lou Hamer made visits to the county, advocating for change through peaceful protest and community organizing. The county's history is marked by both progress and challenges in racial equality.

Today, Greene County continues to evolve. It has seen growth in tourism and recreation, with Lake Oconee attracting visitors for its scenic beauty and recreational activities. The county also promotes heritage tourism, highlighting its historical sites such as the Old Greene County Courthouse and the Memory Hill Cemetery. With its blend of history, natural beauty, and community engagement, Greene County remains an important and vibrant part of Georgia's history.
Brief timeline of the history of Greene County, Georgia:

  • 1786 - Greene County is established on February 3, named after American Revolutionary War General Nathanael Greene.
  • 1799 - The first courthouse and jail are built in Greensboro, the county seat.
  • 1807 - The city of Madison is incorporated.
  • 1838 - Taliaferro County is created from parts of Greene, Wilkes, Warren, and Hancock counties.
  • 1861-1865 - Greene County, like much of the South, is heavily impacted by the American Civil War. Many men from the county serve in the Confederate Army.
  • 1870 - The county's first public school, known as Greensboro Public School, is established.
  • 1959 - Lake Oconee is created by the completion of the Wallace Dam on the Oconee River, providing a major water source and recreational area for the county.
  • 1974 - The Callaway Plantation, a historic former antebellum plantation, is added to the National Register of Historic Places.
  • 1990 - The county experiences significant population growth, with the population increasing by over 50% compared to the previous decade.
  • 2014 - The University of Georgia and several other institutions form a partnership to establish the Georgia BioScience Training Center in Greene County.

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