Clarke County, Georgia
Athens Factory
Athens Manufacturing Company
Athens Warehouse Historic District
Bishop House
Bloomfield Street Historic District
Boulevard Historic District
Brightwell Shotgun Row
Buena Vista Heights Historic District
Camak House
Carnegie Library Building
Chase, Albon, House
Chestnut Grove School
Chi Omega House
Church-Waddel-Brumby House
Clarke County Jail
Cobb, T.R.R., House
Cobb-Treanor House
Cobbham Historic District
Coca-Cola Bottling Plant-Athens
Crane, Ross, House
Dearing Street Historic District
Dearing, Albin P., House
Downtown Athens Historic District
Downtown Athens Historic District (Additional Documentation, Boundary Increase II and Boundary Decrease)
Downtown Athens Historic District (Boundary Increase)
First African Methodist Episcopal Church
Franklin House
Garden Club of Georgia Museum-Headquarters House,Founder's Memorial Garden
Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery
Grady, Henry W., House
Hamilton, Dr. James S., House
Jackson Street Cemetery
Lucy Cobb Institute Campus
Lumpkin, Gov. Wilson, House
Lumpkin, Joseph Henry, House
Milledge Avenue Historic District
Milledge Avenue Historic District (Boundary Increase)
Milledge Circle Historic District
Morton Building
Newton House
Oconee Hill Cemetery
Oconee Street School
Oglethorpe Avenue Historic District
Old North Campus, University of Georgia
Owens, Hubert Bond, House
Parr, Calvin W., House
Parrott Insurance Building
President's House
Reese Street Historic District
Rocksprings Shotgun Row Historic District
Sledge, James A., House
Sorrells, R. P., House
Thomas-Carithers House
United States Post Office and Court House
Upson House
Ware-Lyndon House
West Cloverhurst Avenue Historic District
West Hancock Avenue Historic District
White Hall
Wilkins House
Winterville Historic District
Woodlawn Historic District
Young Women's Christian Association Complex
In 1801, the Georgia General Assembly designated Clarke County as one of the initial counties in the state. The county was named after Elijah Clarke, a war hero from the American Revolution. As settlers moved into the area, Clarke County became an essential center of trade and agriculture, known for its cotton production and prosperous plantations.
During the Civil War, the county experienced significant challenges and upheavals. With the end of slavery, many African Americans embraced new opportunities and established their own businesses and institutions in the county. This period also saw the establishment of the University of Georgia in 1785, making Athens, the county seat, a prominent center for education and intellectual growth.
In the 20th century, Clarke County witnessed a period of growth and transformation. The University of Georgia continued to expand, becoming a major economic and cultural force in the region. The civil rights movement also had a significant impact on the county, with protests and demonstrations taking place in Athens. These efforts led to important changes in civil rights legislation and a more inclusive society.
Today, Clarke County is a vibrant community that showcases its rich history while embracing progress and innovation. With a diverse population and a thriving arts and music scene, the county continues to be a hub of cultural activity in Georgia.
Brief timeline of the history of Clarke County, Georgia:
- 1785 - Clarke County, GA is established as one of the original counties of Georgia.
- 1801 - The University of Georgia is founded in Athens, the county seat of Clarke County.
- 1875 - The county courthouse, known as the Clarke County Courthouse, is constructed.
- 1937 - The WPA-built Georgia State Botanical Garden opens in Athens, showcasing the natural beauty of the region.
- 1961 - The Athens-Clarke County Unified Government is formed, combining the city of Athens and Clarke County.
- 1996 - The Stegeman Coliseum, a multi-purpose arena located on the University of Georgia campus, undergoes a major renovation.
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Clarke County, Georgia.