National Register Listing

Columbia County Courthouse

GA 47, Appling, GA
Local significance of the building:
Economics; Law; Politics/government; Architecture; Communications

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1980.

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.

economics law politics government architecture communications courthouses buildings
Audiobooks about the history of Georgia.
The state of Georgia was home to the first American-born saint, Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, who founded the Sacred Heart Orphanage in Savannah in 1900.
Georgia random facts
Columbia County, Georgia is located in the eastern part of the state. Its history can be traced back to the colonial era, when the area was inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Creek and Cherokee. European settlers began to arrive in the late 18th century, primarily British and Scotch-Irish immigrants looking for fertile land for farming.

In 1790, Columbia County was established and named after Christopher Columbus. It quickly became an agricultural hub, with large plantations producing commodities such as cotton, tobacco, and timber. The county was also a significant transportation center due to its proximity to the Savannah River, which facilitated trade.

During the American Civil War, Columbia County experienced the negative effects of the conflict. Many local men joined the Confederate army, and the area was impacted by troop movements and skirmishes. Following the war, the county experienced a period of economic recovery, with a shift from agriculture to industrial development.

In the 20th century, Columbia County saw significant growth and modernization. The construction of the Augusta Canal and establishment of Fort Gordon Army Base brought economic opportunities and infrastructure development. Today, Columbia County is known for its flourishing residential areas, booming retail and commercial sector, as well as its commitment to education and the arts.

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

  • 1790 - Columbia County is established as a county in Georgia
  • 1800 - The county seat is established in Appling
  • 1816 - The courthouse in Appling is completed
  • 1830 - The Augusta Canal is completed, providing transportation and power for the county
  • 1850 - The population of Columbia County reaches 4,888
  • 1870 - The railroad reaches Columbia County, spurring economic growth
  • 1890 - The population of Columbia County reaches 7,487
  • 1970 - Suburban development begins as Augusta expands into Columbia County
  • 1996 - Columbia County becomes the first county in Georgia to implement a 911 emergency telephone system
  • 2010 - The population of Columbia County reaches 124,053