National Register Listing

Hard Labor Creek State Park

a.k.a. Hard Labor Creek Recreational Development Area

Fairplay & Knox Chapel Rds., Rutledge, GA
Local significance of the district:
Architecture; Conservation; Landscape Architecture; Politics/government; Entertainment/recreation; Social History

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2013.

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.

architecture conservation landscape architecture politics government entertainment recreation social history
Georgia has a strong military history and has been the site of several important military installations, including Fort Benning, which is home to the U.S. Army Infantry School.
Georgia random facts
Morgan County, Georgia is located in the central part of the state and has a rich history dating back to the early 19th century. The area was originally inhabited by Creek and Cherokee Native American tribes before European settlers arrived. In 1807, the county was officially established and named after Revolutionary War General Daniel Morgan.

During the 19th century, Morgan County became an agricultural hub, with cotton being the primary crop. Plantations were established throughout the county, leading to a significant increase in enslaved African American labor. The county experienced growth and prosperity until the Civil War erupted. Like many parts of the South, Morgan County was deeply affected by the war, with many plantations destroyed and lives lost.

After the Civil War, Morgan County underwent a period of rebuilding and transition. Agriculture remained the dominant industry, but new industries such as textiles and manufacturing began to emerge. The county's historic towns, such as Madison and Rutledge, developed as commercial centers and still retain much of their antebellum architecture today.

In the 20th century, Morgan County continued to evolve and adapt to changing times. The community saw improvements in infrastructure, education, and healthcare. The county also experienced periods of economic growth and decline, as industries came and went. Today, Morgan County is known for its scenic beauty, historic charm, and thriving tourism industry, attracting visitors from across the country.

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

  • 1807 - Morgan County is established from parts of Baldwin and Jones counties.
  • 1808 - The city of Madison is founded as the county seat.
  • 1814 - The first courthouse is built.
  • 1824 - Historic Rutledge is incorporated.
  • 1830 - The Georgia Railroad is completed in Madison.
  • 1854 - The Madison-Morgan Cultural Center is built as the city's first public school.
  • 1861-1865 - Morgan County is heavily impacted by the American Civil War.
  • 1901 - The iconic Morgan County Courthouse is built in Madison.
  • 1910 - The first concrete bridge in the county is constructed.
  • 1939 - Hard Labor Creek State Park is established.
  • 1980 - Morgan County High School is established.