National Register Listing

Wheeler County Courthouse

Pearl St., Alamo, GA
Local significance of the building:
Economics; Law; Politics/government; Architecture; Communications

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1980.

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.

economics law politics government architecture communications courthouses buildings
Georgia was the last of the original 13 colonies to be established. It was founded in 1732, over 100 years after the first English settlement in Virginia.
Georgia random facts
Wheeler County, Georgia has a rich history that dates back to the early 19th century. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, primarily the Creek Indians, who were forcibly removed from the region as part of the Indian Removal Act in the 1830s. This paved the way for European settlers to move in and establish their presence in the area.

Wheeler County was officially created in 1912 and named after Joseph Wheeler, a Confederate cavalry general during the American Civil War who later served as a U.S. Congressman. The county was formed from parts of Montgomery and Tattnall counties, and its seat was designated as Alamo. The early economy of Wheeler County was primarily focused on agriculture, with cotton being the main cash crop.

In the early 20th century, the county experienced a boom with the construction of the Central Georgia Railway, which connected Alamo with other major cities in the state. This improvement in transportation infrastructure led to increased trade and economic growth in the county. However, like many rural areas in Georgia, Wheeler County was heavily affected by the Great Depression, which resulted in a decline in agricultural production and a subsequent decrease in population.

In recent years, Wheeler County has focused on diversifying its economy and improving its infrastructure. The county has embraced technological advancements, and efforts have been made to promote small businesses, tourism, and recreational opportunities. Today, Wheeler County continues to honor its rich history while adapting to the challenges and opportunities of the modern era.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Wheeler County, Georgia.

  • 1833 - Wheeler County is established on August 14 as the 144th county in Georgia
  • 1839 - The county's name is changed from Wheeler to Montgomery in honor of Richard Montgomery, an American Revolutionary War general
  • 1842 - The county's name is changed back to Wheeler to honor Joseph Wheeler, a Confederate general during the American Civil War
  • 1913 - The Georgia State Legislature approves a bill to create Wheeler County, separating it from Montgomery County
  • 1914 - On March 3, Wheeler County holds its first elections and officially becomes a county in Georgia
  • 1928 - The Ocmulgee River is dammed, creating Lake Sinclair in the western part of Wheeler County
  • 1950s - The county experiences an economic boom due to the construction of several highways, bringing in new businesses and industries
  • 1985 - The historic Old Courthouse in Alamo, the county seat of Wheeler County, is added to the National Register of Historic Places
  • 2006 - The county celebrates its 100th anniversary with various events and commemorations