Atkinson Hall, Georgia College
Georgia College campus, Milledgeville, GAAtkinson Hall was built in 1896 to house young women students of the Georgia Normal and Industrial College in Milledgeville. The school was founded in 1889 specifically to enable young Georgia girls with limited means to obtain a practical education. This suggestion came from Mrs. William Yates Atkinson whose husband, later Governor of Georgia, introduced the bill creating the college; he is considered the school's founder and served as President of its Board of Trustees.
The growth of the college was rewarded in 1892 by an appropriation of $22,900; contracts were then let for a new dormitory. (At that time the old Governor's Mansion was the college dormitory.) Designed by Bruce and Morgan, architects, Atkinson Hall, named in honor of the college's founder, was erected in 1896 in Penitentiary Square, the original tract of land deeded to the college at its founding. The dormitory housed 135 students and included a parlor, dining hall, and infirmary. No doubt the new dormitory created many student jobs - waiting on tables, cleaning, etc.; a fundamental principle of the college was for the girls to work while they attended school.
About 1920 large brick buildings were erected on either side of Atkinson Hall. The three were made to appear as one monumental structure by adding to Atkinson a colonnaded portico in the Corinthian style to match similar porches on the new buildings. Atkinson is now the oldest. building on campus and rather desperately needs renovation. It houses the college Post Office and a student dining Hall.
Since its creation, the college has undergone many changes, both in name and purpose. Now called Georgia College at Milledgeville, it is a co-educational school under the University System of Georgia. This growth and the changes which have ensued threaten to make Penitentiary Square a problem area for architects and administrators attempting to maintain the beautiful campus environment long associated with the colonnaded buildings of which Atkinson is the focal point.
Local significance of the building:
The growth of the college was rewarded in 1892 by an appropriation of $22,900; contracts were then let for a new dormitory. (At that time the old Governor's Mansion was the college dormitory.) Designed by Bruce and Morgan, architects, Atkinson Hall, named in honor of the college's founder, was erected in 1896 in Penitentiary Square, the original tract of land deeded to the college at its founding. The dormitory housed 135 students and included a parlor, dining hall, and infirmary. No doubt the new dormitory created many student jobs - waiting on tables, cleaning, etc.; a fundamental principle of the college was for the girls to work while they attended school.
About 1920 large brick buildings were erected on either side of Atkinson Hall. The three were made to appear as one monumental structure by adding to Atkinson a colonnaded portico in the Corinthian style to match similar porches on the new buildings. Atkinson is now the oldest. building on campus and rather desperately needs renovation. It houses the college Post Office and a student dining Hall.
Since its creation, the college has undergone many changes, both in name and purpose. Now called Georgia College at Milledgeville, it is a co-educational school under the University System of Georgia. This growth and the changes which have ensued threaten to make Penitentiary Square a problem area for architects and administrators attempting to maintain the beautiful campus environment long associated with the colonnaded buildings of which Atkinson is the focal point.
Education; Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1972.
About National Register Listings
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.
Georgia played a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement, with many key events taking place in the state. The Albany Movement, the March on Washington, and the Selma to Montgomery March all had ties to Georgia.
About Baldwin County
Baldwin County Timeline
Baldwin County, located in central Georgia, has a rich history dating back to the early 1800s. The county was established in 1803 and named after Abraham Baldwin, a Georgia representative and signer of the United States Constitution. The area was originally home to Creek and Cherokee Native American tribes until European settlers arrived in the late 1700s.
During the early years, agriculture played a significant role in Baldwin County's economy. Cotton plantations were widespread, and enslaved Africans were forced to work in the fields. The county experienced growth and prosperity, attracting more settlers and establishing the city of Milledgeville as its county seat in 1807. Milledgeville served as the capital of Georgia from 1804 to 1868.
In the mid-19th century, Baldwin County played a significant role during the Civil War. The county saw extensive action, including multiple battles and skirmishes, as Union and Confederate forces clashed throughout the region. Many buildings in Milledgeville were used as hospitals and barracks. After the war, Baldwin County experienced a period of reconstruction and recovery, with the economy shifting towards industries such as textiles and manufacturing.
Throughout the 20th century, Baldwin County continued to develop and evolve. The construction of highways and railroads opened up new opportunities for growth and commerce. Education also played a crucial role in the county's development, with the establishment of Georgia College in Milledgeville in 1889. Today, Baldwin County remains a vibrant community, combining its historical legacy with modern amenities and a thriving local economy.
During the early years, agriculture played a significant role in Baldwin County's economy. Cotton plantations were widespread, and enslaved Africans were forced to work in the fields. The county experienced growth and prosperity, attracting more settlers and establishing the city of Milledgeville as its county seat in 1807. Milledgeville served as the capital of Georgia from 1804 to 1868.
In the mid-19th century, Baldwin County played a significant role during the Civil War. The county saw extensive action, including multiple battles and skirmishes, as Union and Confederate forces clashed throughout the region. Many buildings in Milledgeville were used as hospitals and barracks. After the war, Baldwin County experienced a period of reconstruction and recovery, with the economy shifting towards industries such as textiles and manufacturing.
Throughout the 20th century, Baldwin County continued to develop and evolve. The construction of highways and railroads opened up new opportunities for growth and commerce. Education also played a crucial role in the county's development, with the establishment of Georgia College in Milledgeville in 1889. Today, Baldwin County remains a vibrant community, combining its historical legacy with modern amenities and a thriving local economy.
Baldwin County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Baldwin County, Georgia.
- 1803: Baldwin County is established by the Georgia General Assembly.
- 1807: Milledgeville is designated as the county seat of Baldwin County.
- 1811: The county courthouse in Milledgeville is completed.
- 1825: Baldwin County is divided to create Bibb County.
- 1841: The Central State Hospital is established in Milledgeville.
- 1864: During the American Civil War, Milledgeville is briefly occupied by Union troops.
- 1868: Baldwin County's courthouse is destroyed in a fire.
- 1871: Construction of a new courthouse in Milledgeville is completed.
- 1906: The Georgia State Sanitarium is opened in Milledgeville.
- 1980: The Georgia Department of Corrections opens the Baldwin State Prison in Milledgeville.
- 1997: Baldwin County celebrates its bicentennial.