National Register Listing

Heard County Jail

Court Sq. and Shady Lane, Franklin, GA
Local significance of the building:
Politics/government; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1981.

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.

politics government architecture jails and prisons
The first gold rush in America happened in Georgia in 1828, when gold was discovered in the northwestern part of the state. This discovery led to the creation of the Dahlonega Mint, which produced gold coins until the outbreak of the Civil War.
Georgia random facts
Heard County, located in the state of Georgia, has a rich and diverse history that stretches back centuries. The area was initially inhabited by various Indigenous tribes, including the Creek and Cherokee Nations, who left behind traces of their culture and heritage.

European settlers arrived in the region during the 18th century, gradually pushing out the Native American populations. The county was officially established in 1830 and named after Stephen Heard, a Revolutionary War soldier and politician. Its location along the Chattahoochee River made it an important trading hub and brought economic growth to the area.

The antebellum period saw the rise of a prosperous agricultural economy in Heard County, primarily based on cotton plantations. The use of enslaved laborers was prevalent during this time, contributing to the county's wealth and political influence within the state. However, the Civil War and the abolition of slavery brought significant changes to the area, causing economic hardships and reshaping the social order.

In the post-war era, Heard County experienced a slow but steady recovery. The introduction of new industries, such as textile mills and manufacturing plants, provided job opportunities and helped rebuild the local economy. Today, Heard County is known for its natural beauty, historic sites, and strong sense of community, offering residents and visitors a glimpse into its past while embracing the opportunities of the present.

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

  • 1819 - Heard County was established on December 22.
  • 1822 - Franklin became the county seat.
  • 1832 - Centralhatchee was established as a town.
  • 1838 - The county seat was moved from Franklin to Centralhatchee.
  • 1874 - Ephesus was incorporated as a town.
  • 1935 - The county's courthouse was destroyed by a fire.
  • 1936 - Franklin was reestablished as the county seat.
  • 1976 - The Heard County Historical Society was founded.