National Register Listing

Turner County Jail

200 College St., Ashburn, GA
Local significance of the building:
Law; Politics/government; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1982.

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.

law politics government architecture jails and prisons
Georgia was the site of the first European settlement in what is now the United States. In 1565, the Spanish established a settlement on St. Simons Island, which is now part of Georgia.
Georgia random facts
Turner County is a county located in the state of Georgia, United States. It was named after Henry Gray Turner, a Georgia congressman. The county was officially established on August 18, 1905, as a result of the division of Dooly County. The small town of Ashburn, situated in the center of the county, serves as the county seat.

The area that is now Turner County was initially inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Creek and Cherokee. European settlers began to arrive in the early 19th century, attracted by the fertile land for agriculture. The county's economy has always been heavily reliant on agriculture, with cotton being the primary crop in its early years. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century further facilitated the transportation of goods and brought economic growth to the region.

During the early 20th century, Turner County experienced a significant population boom, with an influx of settlers attracted by the agricultural opportunities. The boll weevil infestation in the 1920s negatively impacted the cotton industry, prompting farmers to diversify their crops. This led to the rise of peanut farming, which became a crucial aspect of the county's agricultural economy.

In recent years, Turner County has seen changes in its economic landscape. While agriculture still plays a vital role, the county has also seen growth in other sectors, such as manufacturing and tourism. The county is known for its small-town charm, friendly community, and annual events such as the Fire Ant Festival, which attracts visitors from near and far.

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

  • 1826: Turner County is formed from parts of Dooly, Irwin, Wilcox, and Worth Counties.
  • 1837: The first post office in Turner County is established.
  • 1851: The county seat is established in Ashburn.
  • 1860s: The Civil War brings destruction and economic hardship to Turner County.
  • 1871: The Atlantic and Gulf Railroad is completed, connecting Turner County to other parts of Georgia.
  • 1890s: The county experiences an agricultural boom as cotton becomes a major cash crop.
  • 1905: The town of Sycamore is incorporated.
  • 1917: The Great Fire of Ashburn destroys much of the downtown area.
  • 1930s: The Great Depression leads to economic struggles for Turner County.
  • 1950s: The county begins to diversify its economy with the establishment of new industries.
  • 1996: The Ashburn Hill Plantation is added to the National Register of Historic Places.
  • 2009: A tornado causes significant damage to parts of Turner County.