National Register Listing

Bonner-Sharp-Gunn House

a.k.a. Thomas Bonner House

West Georgia College campus, Carrollton, GA
Local significance of the building:
Education; Architecture; Social History

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1970.

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.

education architecture social history houses residential buildings
Audiobooks about the history of Georgia.
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
Carroll County, located in western Georgia, has a rich history that dates back to before the Civil War. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Creek and Cherokee peoples. In the early 19th century, European settlers began to move into the region, attracted by the fertile land and abundant natural resources.

The county was officially established in 1826 and named after Charles Carroll, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. During the antebellum period, Carroll County thrived as a major center for cotton production. Large plantations dotted the landscape, employing enslaved African Americans to work the fields. This reliance on slave labor led to increasing tensions between pro- and anti-slavery factions, ultimately foreshadowing the coming conflict of the Civil War.

Carroll County played a significant role in the Civil War, with battles and skirmishes taking place throughout the area. The county was highly contested by Confederate and Union forces due to its strategic location and important railroads. The Battle of Villa Rica, fought in July 1864, marked a key turning point as Union troops successfully defended against Confederate attacks, effectively securing the area for the Union.

After the war, Carroll County faced the challenges of Reconstruction. The economy was devastated, and many families struggled to rebuild their lives. However, the county slowly recovered, and by the early 20th century, agriculture and manufacturing became the driving forces of the local economy. Today, Carroll County continues to thrive as a vibrant community with a diverse economy, rich history, and a commitment to preserving its heritage.

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

  • 1826: Carroll County is established on June 9th.
  • 1830: The city of Carrollton is incorporated as the county seat.
  • 1831: The first courthouse is built in Carrollton.
  • 1843: The city of Carrollton becomes the seat of the newly formed University of West Georgia.
  • 1861: Carroll County supports the Confederacy during the American Civil War.
  • 1908: A new courthouse is built in Carrollton.
  • 1912: The county's first public high school, Central High School, is founded.
  • 1931: The Tallapoosa River floods, causing significant damage to Carroll County.
  • 1969: The University of West Georgia is established as a four-year institution.
  • 1983: The Southeastern Quilt and Textile Museum opens in Carrollton.