National Register Listing

Champion-McGarrah Plantation

a.k.a. Merritt Farm

Off GA 30, Friendship, GA
Local significance of the building:
Architecture; Agriculture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1984.

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.

architecture agriculture
Audiobooks about the history of Georgia.
The city of Atlanta hosted the Summer Olympics in 1996, and it was the first time that a bomb exploded at the Olympic Games, killing two people and injuring over 100 others.
Georgia random facts
Marion County, Georgia, located in the southwestern part of the state, has a rich and diverse history. The county was established in 1827 and named after General Francis Marion, a Revolutionary War hero known as the "Swamp Fox." The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Creek Nation, but European settlement began in the late 18th century.

In its early years, Marion County was mainly an agricultural community with cotton being the primary crop. The county's economy thrived as the demand for cotton grew, and many wealthy plantation owners settled in the area. However, this reliance on cotton and slave labor led to the county's involvement in the Civil War. Marion County played a significant role in the conflict, and several skirmishes occurred within its borders.

After the war, Marion County faced the challenges of reconstruction and the transition from an agriculture-based economy to other industries. The county experienced a decline in population and economic activity during this period. However, the discovery of oil in the early 20th century sparked a brief period of growth and prosperity. The production of oil became a major industry in Marion County, attracting new residents and boosting the local economy.

Throughout its history, Marion County has faced various challenges, including economic downturns and natural disasters. Despite these hardships, the county has preserved its rich heritage and unique character. Today, Marion County remains a small, rural community with agriculture, oil, and forestry as its main industries. The county also boasts several historic sites and landmarks, including the Marion County Courthouse, which was constructed in 1848 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

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

  • Marion County, GA was formed on December 14, 1827.
  • In 1830, the first federal census recorded 3,280 people living in Marion County.
  • The county seat was established in 1837 and named after General Francis Marion, a Revolutionary War hero.
  • During the American Civil War, Marion County saw heavy troop movements and was the site of several battles and skirmishes.
  • In 1883, the completion of the Southwestern Railroad brought economic growth and development to the county.
  • By the 1920s, Marion County was a major producer of cotton, peaches, and pecans.
  • In the 1930s, the construction of Roosevelt's New Deal programs led to the development of infrastructure and the creation of jobs.
  • In 1982, Marion County's courthouse was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
  • Today, Marion County is known for its natural beauty, outdoor recreational opportunities, and historic sites.