Community Planning and Development

Twiggs County, located in central Georgia, has a rich and diverse history dating back to its establishment in 1809. Named after General John Twiggs, a Revolutionary War hero, the county was originally a part of the Creek Indian Nation. However, with the signing of the Treaty of Fort Wilkinson in 1802, the Creek Indians ceded their lands, paving the way for European settlement in the area.

During the early years, Twiggs County relied heavily on agrarian practices, with cotton being the main cash crop. The county prospered due to fertile soil and a booming slave labor system. By the mid-1800s, the county had become a hub for agriculture, with large plantations and a thriving population of enslaved people.

However, the Civil War brought significant changes to Twiggs County. In 1864, Union General William T. Sherman led his famous March to the Sea through Georgia, leaving destruction in his wake. Twiggs County suffered greatly, with farms burned and infrastructure destroyed. The war also marked the end of slavery in the county, bringing about radical social and economic changes.

In the years following the war, Twiggs County slowly recovered and began to embrace new industries. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century brought increased connectivity and growth. The timber industry, with its vast pine forests, played a significant role in the county's economic development, with sawmills and timber-related businesses becoming an essential part of the local economy.

Today, Twiggs County is a predominantly rural area with a small and close-knit community. While the county's economy has diversified with the growth of manufacturing and service industries, agriculture, particularly poultry farming, remains an important sector. Twiggs County continues to cherish its historical roots, with numerous historic sites and landmarks preserving the county's unique history for future generations to appreciate.