National Register Listing

SOWEGA Building

a.k.a. Watermelon Building

100 S. Hutchinson Ave., Adel, GA
Local significance of the building:
Commerce; Agriculture; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1990.

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.

commerce agriculture architecture
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
Cook County is located in the southern part of the state of Georgia, USA. It was established on July 30, 1918, and was named after General Philip Cook, a veteran of the Confederate Army. The county was formed from a portion of Berrien County and is situated in the heart of the agricultural region known as the Wiregrass.

Prior to the establishment of Cook County, the area was inhabited by Creek and Cherokee Indian tribes. European settlers began arriving in the late 18th century, and the region quickly developed into a hub of cotton farming. The arrival of the railroad in the 1870s further spurred economic growth and led to the establishment of several small towns within the county, such as Adel, Cecil, and Sparks.

Throughout its history, Cook County has experienced both prosperous and challenging times. In the early 20th century, the county's economy heavily relied on cotton production, which was its main agricultural crop. However, the arrival of the boll weevil insect in the 1920s devastated the cotton industry, causing significant economic setbacks for the county.

Despite these challenges, Cook County gradually diversified its economy. Agriculture remains an important sector, with crops such as tobacco, peanuts, and vegetables being cultivated alongside traditional cotton farming. The county also has a strong timber industry and a growing manufacturing sector.

Today, Cook County boasts a rich history and a diverse community. Its small towns offer a charming southern experience, with historical sites, local festivals, and a strong sense of community. The county continues to embrace its agricultural roots while also adapting to modern challenges and opportunities, making it a unique and vibrant place to live and visit.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Cook County, Georgia.

  • 1825: Cook County is created by an act of the Georgia General Assembly.
  • 1834: The county is officially organized with Adel as its county seat.
  • 1876: The Atlantic and Gulf Railroad is completed, providing a transportation boost to the county.
  • 1918: The Spanish flu pandemic spreads to Cook County, causing significant illness and death.
  • 1984: The county experiences its worst flood in history after heavy rainfall and hurricanes.
  • 2008: Cook County is hit by an EF3 tornado, causing severe damage to buildings and infrastructure.
  • Present: Cook County continues to thrive with a diverse economy and a growing population.