National Register Listing

Mumford, Sylvester, House

Off U.S. 84, Waynesville, GA
Local significance of the building:
Architecture; Social History

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1982.

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 social history houses residential buildings
Georgia was the site of the first American gold rush, but it was also the site of the first American oil rush. In 1905, oil was discovered in Bibb County, and the state's oil industry began to grow rapidly.
Georgia random facts
Brantley County, Georgia, located in the southeastern part of the state, has a rich and diverse history that stretches back centuries. The area was originally inhabited by indigenous tribes such as the Creek and the Mikasuki, who thrived on the abundant natural resources of the region.

The county's history takes a significant turn with the arrival of European settlers in the 19th century. In 1825, the Georgia legislature created Brantley County, named after Senator William Brantley, who was instrumental in the county's formation. The newly established county became a hub for agriculture, specifically cotton cultivation, thanks to its fertile land and favorable climate.

During the American Civil War, Brantley County, like much of the South, felt the effects of the conflict. Many young men from the county enlisted in the Confederate Army, fighting in several significant battles. The war brought devastation and hardship to the area, but Brantley County slowly rebuilt in the post-war years, mostly centered around agriculture.

The 20th century witnessed several transitions in Brantley County, including the rise of the timber industry, which became a major economic driver. Additionally, the construction of the Atlantic Coastal Highway in the 1930s greatly improved transportation in the region and boosted trade and tourism.

Today, Brantley County continues to be a predominantly rural area, with a strong emphasis on agriculture, timber, and outdoor recreation. The county's rich history is celebrated and preserved through various historical sites, museums, and annual events that highlight the unique heritage of the area.

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

  • 1774 - The area that would become Brantley County is part of St. Andrews Parish in colonial Georgia.
  • 1777 - The state of Georgia is established.
  • 1818 - Wayne County is created, and the area that would become Brantley County falls within its boundaries.
  • 1834 - The town of Waynesville is established as the county seat of Wayne County.
  • 1920 - The southern portion of Wayne County breaks away and forms Brantley County.
  • 1921 - Nahunta is established as the county seat of Brantley County.
  • 1940s - One of the largest turpentine-production areas in the world is located in Brantley County, contributing significantly to the local economy.
  • 1995 - The Brantley County Historical and Preservation Society is founded to preserve the county's history and encourage historical research.