National Register Listing

Dorminy-Massee House

516 W. Central Ave., Fitzgerald, GA
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2000.

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.

architecture houses residential buildings
Audiobooks about the history of Georgia.
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
Ben Hill County is a county located in the state of Georgia, USA. It was established on January 1, 1906, and was named after Benjamin Harvey Hill, a prominent Confederate senator. The area that is now Ben Hill County was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, such as the Creek Indians, who were later displaced by European settlers.

In the late 19th century, the railroad played a significant role in the development of the county. The arrival of the Fitzgerald and Company Railroad in 1899 led to the establishment of several communities, including Fitzgerald, the county seat of Ben Hill County. The railroad brought economic growth and attracted new residents, resulting in the incorporation of the county in 1906.

Agriculture has always been a vital part of the county's economy. During its early years, Ben Hill County relied heavily on cotton production. However, with the decline of the cotton industry in the 20th century, farmers began diversifying their crops. Today, the county is known for its production of peanuts, pecans, corn, and other agricultural commodities.

Over the years, Ben Hill County has faced various challenges, including the Great Depression and the migration of rural residents to urban areas. However, the county has also experienced periods of growth and development. In recent decades, efforts have been made to enhance the educational and healthcare infrastructure in the county, while also promoting tourism to attract visitors to its natural beauty and historic charm.

Overall, Ben Hill County's history is a testament to the resilience and resourcefulness of its residents, who have worked to build and sustain a strong and vibrant community.

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

  • 1858 - Ben Hill County is created from portions of Irwin and Wilcox counties.
  • Late 1800s - The county becomes a center for timber and turpentine production.
  • 1906 - The city of Fitzgerald is incorporated as the county seat.
  • 1917 - The county experiences a major fire that destroys much of the town of Fitzgerald.
  • 1930s - The Great Depression leads to a decline in the county's economy.
  • 1947 - The Civil Rights Movement begins to gain momentum in Ben Hill County.
  • 1965 - The Voting Rights Act is signed into law, leading to increased African American voter registration in the county.
  • 1980s - The county experiences economic growth due to the establishment of industrial parks.
  • 1996 - The county is hit by a tornado during the Jarrell, Texas tornado outbreak.
  • Present - Ben Hill County continues to be an agricultural and industrial center in Georgia.