National Register Listing

Carter, Leonard, House

311 S. Wayne St., Jesup, GA
Local significance of the building:
Landscape Architecture; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1989.

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.

landscape architecture architecture houses residential buildings
The city of Atlanta hosted the Summer Olympics in 1996, and it was the first time that a bomb exploded at the Olympic Games, killing two people and injuring over 100 others.
Georgia random facts
Wayne County, Georgia, has a rich history deeply rooted in its Native American origins. Before European settlers arrived, the area was home to the Creek Indian tribe. In the early 18th century, British colonization began, leading to conflicts between the settlers and native populations. The region witnessed several battles during the Creek War of 1813-1814. The Treaty of Fort Jackson in 1814 ended hostilities and opened the area for further European settlement.

In 1803, Wayne County was established by Georgia's general assembly, named in honor of American Revolutionary War hero, General Anthony Wayne. The town of Wayne Court House (later renamed Waynesville) was designated as the county seat. Initially, the county's economy relied heavily on agriculture, with rice, indigo, and timber being major crops. As time progressed, cotton production gained prominence, and many plantations sprouted throughout the region. Slavery was deeply ingrained in Wayne County's economic structure during this period.

During the American Civil War, Wayne County played a significant role, witnessing both Union and Confederate forces occupy the area at different times. Numerous skirmishes and battles took place, including the Battle of Fort James and the Battle of Doboy Sound. Wayne County ultimately fell under Union control, leading to the emancipation of slaves and the collapse of the plantation economy.

After the Civil War, Wayne County underwent a significant transformation. The timber industry became a major economic driver, with sawmills and lumber companies flourishing. The establishment of the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad in 1890 further contributed to the area's economic growth. Today, Wayne County continues to thrive, with a diverse economy encompassing agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism, while also preserving its historical significance through various landmarks and historical sites.

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

  • 1740: Wayne County was originally inhabited by Native American tribes.
  • 1736: General James Oglethorpe established Georgia's first English-speaking settlement, near present-day Wayne County.
  • 1777: Wayne County was officially established and named after Revolutionary War hero General Anthony Wayne.
  • 1803: The Georgia General Assembly designated Wayne County as an official county.
  • 1825: Jesup was selected as the county seat of Wayne County.
  • 1850s: Lumber became an important industry in Wayne County.
  • 1864: During the Civil War, Wayne County was occupied by Union forces.
  • 1918: The Altamaha River was bridged, connecting Wayne County to surrounding areas.
  • 1941: The U.S. Army established Fort Stewart in Wayne County.
  • 1977: Wayne County celebrated its bicentennial.