Morgan Farm
a.k.a. Nathan Morgan Home Place
770 Old Dawson Rd., Smithville, GA Local significance of the district:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1998.
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.
In the early 19th century, Sumter County played a significant role in Georgia's cotton industry. As cotton production boomed, so did the demand for enslaved laborers. Many large plantations were established in the county, relying heavily on the forced labor of enslaved African Americans. This dark period of the county's history left a lasting impact on its social and economic development.
During the Civil War, Sumter County experienced the effects of the conflict firsthand. Several battles were fought in the area, including the Battle of Andersonville in 1864, where the infamous Andersonville Prison was located. The prison held Union prisoners of war, and conditions were notoriously harsh, resulting in significant loss of life.
In the years following the war, Sumter County faced the challenges of Reconstruction. The county's economy shifted away from agriculture as industries like railroads and manufacturing emerged. Today, Sumter County is a vibrant community with a mix of rural and urban areas. It's home to educational institutions, businesses, and cultural attractions that celebrate its rich history while looking towards the future.
Sumter County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Sumter County, Georgia.
- 1831 - Sumter County is established
- 1836 - The county seat is moved to Americus
- 1864 - The Battle of Andersonville takes place during the American Civil War
- 1890 - The Americus Female College is founded
- 1942 - Andersonville National Historic Site is established
- 1964 - Martin Luther King Jr. speaks at a civil rights rally in Americus
- 1994 - Habitat for Humanity International is founded in Americus