National Register Listing

First African Baptist Church at Raccoon Bluff

a.k.a. Raccoon Bluff Church

E side of Sapelo Island, approximately 2 mi. N of Hog Hammock, Hog Hammock, GA
Local significance of the building:
Black

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1996.

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.

ethnic heritage black Baptist denomination churches religion
Georgia is also known for its rich agricultural history, with cotton, peanuts, and peaches among the state's top crops.
Georgia random facts
McIntosh County, located in southeastern Georgia, has a rich and diverse history that stretches back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Creek and Yuchi peoples. European settlers arrived in the 18th century, establishing plantations and bringing enslaved Africans to work the land.

During the American Revolution, McIntosh County was a hotbed of activity, with both Patriots and Loyalists vying for control. The county derived its name from Lachlan McIntosh, a Scottish-born general who fought for American independence. McIntosh County was officially established in 1793, and Darien became its county seat.

Throughout the 19th century, McIntosh County's economy revolved primarily around agriculture, with cotton and rice being the main cash crops. The region's large plantations relied heavily on slave labor until the abolition of slavery after the Civil War. The county was deeply affected by the conflict, and many of its plantations were devastated.

In the aftermath of the Civil War, McIntosh County underwent significant changes. Reconstruction brought political and social reforms, and the county's economy shifted towards timber, fishing, and oyster harvesting. The African American community played a vital role in the county's recovery, establishing churches, schools, and businesses.

In the 20th century, the county continued to evolve with economic changes. The construction of the Sidney Lanier Bridge in 2003 significantly improved transportation and tourism in the area. Today, McIntosh County is known for its stunning coastal landscapes, historic sites, and cultural events that celebrate its rich heritage.

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

  • 1735 - McIntosh County is established as a colonial county of the Province of Georgia.
  • 1757 - The county is named after Chief William McIntosh of the Creek Nation.
  • 1776 - During the American Revolutionary War, British forces occupy and control McIntosh County.
  • 1793 - Fort Barrington is constructed by the United States government as a coastal defense during the Quasi-War with France.
  • 1830 - Chief William McIntosh is executed by the Creek Nation for signing the Treaty of Indian Springs, which ceded Creek lands to the state of Georgia.
  • 1861 - McIntosh County becomes a significant center of Confederate activity during the American Civil War.
  • 1942 - Georgia's first naval air station, NAS Glynco, is established in McIntosh County during World War II.
  • 1982 - Harris Neck Wildlife Refuge is established, providing protected habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife.