National Register Listing

Lanier County Auditorium and Grammar School

E. Church Ave., Lakeland, GA
Local significance of the building:
Education; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1986.

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.

education architecture
The city of Savannah, Georgia was the first planned city in America. It was laid out in a grid pattern with squares for public use, and this design was later copied by other cities throughout the country.
Georgia random facts
Lanier County, Georgia, named after poet Sidney Lanier, has a rich and diverse history that stretches back to its founding in 1920. Situated in the southeastern part of the state, the county was carved out of portions of Berrien, Clinch, and Lowndes counties.

The area that would become Lanier County was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Creek and Seminole nations, who used the land for hunting and fishing. With the arrival of European settlers in the 18th century, conflicts arose, leading to the forced removal of Native Americans during the Indian Removal Act of 1830.

Following the Civil War and Reconstruction era, the county experienced a period of agricultural development focused primarily on timber, cotton, and tobacco farming. Sawmills and turpentine production also played a significant role in the local economy during this time, bringing employment opportunities and growth to the area.

In the early 20th century, the construction of the Georgia and Florida Railroad further facilitated the county's growth by connecting it to major trade routes. This development paved the way for trade and commerce, attracting businesses and settlers to the region. Finally, in 1920, Lanier County was officially established, becoming the 160th county in Georgia.

Today, Lanier County continues to thrive as a predominantly rural community, with agriculture playing a central role in the local economy. The county also boasts natural beauty and recreational opportunities, with scenic spots including Banks Lake and wildlife management areas attracting visitors and outdoor enthusiasts. With its unique history and natural assets, Lanier County remains a distinct and vibrant part of Georgia's heritage.

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

  • 1830: Lanier County was originally part of Lowndes County.
  • 1852: Lanier County was officially established and named after poet Sidney Lanier.
  • 1856: The first courthouse was built in the new county seat of Milltown.
  • 1861-1865: Lanier County residents participated in the American Civil War.
  • 1872: The county seat was moved from Milltown to present-day Lakeland.
  • 1905: The Georgia and Florida Railroad was completed, bringing economic growth to the county.
  • 1919: The county's name was temporarily changed to Lanier County Soldiers and Sailors Memorial County.
  • 1940s-1950s: Land consolidation and modernization occurred in Lanier County's agricultural industry.
  • 1960s: Civil rights movement efforts and racial tensions affected Lanier County.
  • 1991: The county's name was changed back to Lanier County.