Liberty County, Georgia

3rd Battalion, 15th Infantry Athletic Programs at Dorchester Academy 1926-1940 Bradwell Institute Bradwell Park Brigadier General Daniel Stewart Brigadier General James Screven Button Gwinnett Charlton Hines House City of Walthourville History Civil Liberties at Dorchester Cooperative Center 1940 - present Colonel's Island Dorchester Academy Dorchester Academy Boy's Dormitory Dorchester Presbyterian Church Dorchester Village Dr. Lyman Hall Elizabeth Moore at Dorchester Academy 1925-1932 First African Baptist Church Flemington Presbyterian Church Fort Morris Fort Morris Cannon General James Screven Gum Branch Baptist Church Harrison Family Cemetery Hinesville and Liberty County WWII Veterans Monument Hinesville Methodist Church In Memory of Button Gwinnett and Dr. Lyman Hall James Screven and Daniel Stewart Kilpatrick and Mower at Midway Church Lambert Plantation LeConte Botanical Gardens Liberty Armory Site Liberty County Liberty County Citizen's Council 1946 - 1953 Liberty County Confederate Monument M1A1 90mm Anti-Aircraft Gun Midway Cemetery Midway Church Midway Congregational Church Midway Congregational Church 1872 - Present Midway Museum Nathan Brownson New Life For Dorchester Academy 1932-1940 Old Liberty County Jail Old Post Road Old Sunbury Road Pleasant Grove African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church and Camp Meeting Riceborough Road to Sunbury S.C.L.C. and the Voter Education Program 1962-1970 Saint John's Lodge Number Six Savannah-New Inverness Road Simon Munro Skirmish at Hinesville Skirmish in Bulltown Swamp Sunbury Sunbury and Fort Morris Sunbury Cemetery Susie King Taylor Taylors Creek Methodist Church and Cemetery The Bacon-Fraser House The Dead Town Of Sunbury The Famous Sunbury "Masonic" Oak The Growth Of Dorchester Academy 1874 - 1930s The Old Sunbury Road The Rev. Mr. John Osgood The Story of the "Bell" at Dorchester Academy The Sunbury Cemetery Union Brotherhood Society Walthourville Baptist Church We want a school, we need a Teacher 1870-1872 William Bartram Trail Woodmanston Plantation Working Together at the Dorchester Cooperative Center 1930s-1940s "Hall's Knoll"
Liberty County, Georgia has a rich and storied history that dates back to its founding in 1777. The county was named in honor of the American Revolutionary War, symbolizing the colonists' fight for freedom and liberty. During the war, Liberty County played a crucial role as a center for military operations and as a haven for patriots seeking refuge.

In the nineteenth century, Liberty County's economy thrived due to its agriculture, with rice and cotton being the primary crops. The county's location along the coastal region allowed it to participate in international trade, leading to the growth of prosperous plantations. However, the county also faced the dark stain of slavery, as enslaved Africans toiled on these plantations, enduring immense hardships and contributing to the county's economic success.

The Civil War brought significant changes to Liberty County. As Union forces advanced into the South, many enslaved individuals seized the opportunity to escape to freedom. The county's economy was severely impacted by the abolition of slavery, leaving many plantation owners struggling to adapt. After the war, a period of Reconstruction followed, with Liberty County gradually rebuilding and recovering from the devastation of conflict.

In the twentieth century, Liberty County experienced further growth and change. The county became a hub for military activity with the establishment of Fort Stewart in 1940, which played a crucial role in training soldiers during World War II and continues to be an important military installation today. The county's economy diversified, with the growth of industries such as lumber, paper production, and tourism. Today, Liberty County retains its historical significance, with numerous historic sites and monuments that showcase its pivotal role in the founding and development of Georgia and the United States.
Brief timeline of the history of Liberty County, Georgia:

  • Pre-1732: Liberty County is occupied by Native American tribes, including the Yuchi and Creek.
  • 1732: The area is included in the British colony of Georgia following the granting of a charter to James Oglethorpe.
  • 1752: The Parish of St. John is established in the area that will later become Liberty County.
  • 1777: Liberty County is officially established as a county of the state of Georgia.
  • 1793: Riceboro, the county's first settlement, is established.
  • 1818: Hinesville is established as the county seat.
  • 1833: Midway Museum is built, showcasing the area's history and culture.
  • 1850s: Liberty County flourishes with the success of the rice and cotton industries.
  • 1865: The Civil War comes to an end, with Liberty County having been occupied by Union forces for most of the conflict.
  • 1906: The Liberty County Courthouse is constructed in Hinesville.
  • 1940s: The establishment of Fort Stewart brings significant economic and population growth to the county.
  • 1983: The Liberty County Historical Society is founded to preserve and promote the county's history.
  • 2005: The Historic Dorchester Academy is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Liberty County, Georgia.