National Register Listing

Colquitt Town Square Historic District

Cuthbert, 1st, College, and Main Sts., Colquitt, GA
Local significance of the district:
Commerce; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1983.

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 architecture
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
Miller County, located in southwestern Georgia, has a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1856. The area was initially inhabited by indigenous Native American tribes, including the Creek and Choctaw. European settlers arrived in the late 18th century, and by the early 19th century, the region was being developed for agriculture. The county was named after General Henry Miller, a veteran of the Mexican-American War and the Seminole Wars.

In the mid-19th century, Miller County experienced significant growth with the establishment of its county seat, Colquitt, in 1856. Colquitt became an important center for trade and commerce in the area. The county's economy was primarily driven by agriculture, with cotton being the main cash crop. Plantations flourished, and enslaved African Americans played a critical role in the labor-intensive farming operations.

During the American Civil War, Miller County faced hardships like many other parts of the South. The area witnessed skirmishes and raids by Union forces, causing damage to both the infrastructure and economy. After the war, the county faced the challenges of Reconstruction, with many families struggling to rebuild their lives and livelihoods.

In the 20th century, Miller County's agricultural economy continued to evolve. The introduction of new crops such as peanuts, pecans, and corn diversified the agricultural landscape. The county also experienced improvements in transportation infrastructure, with the construction of highways and the extension of rail lines.

Today, Miller County embraces its rich history and diverse culture. Colquitt, known as the "Mayhaw Capital of the World," celebrates its agricultural heritage through various annual festivals and events. The county remains largely rural, with an economy centered around agriculture, manufacturing, and healthcare. Miller County's history serves as a reminder of the hardships and triumphs that have shaped its identity as a strong and resilient community.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Miller County, Georgia.

  • Early 1800s - Miller County is established in Georgia.
  • 1856 - The county is named after Andrew Jackson Miller, a prominent lawyer and politician.
  • Late 1800s - The county experiences growth with the establishment of several industries, including timber and agriculture.
  • 1902 - Colquitt becomes the county seat of Miller County.
  • 1920s-1930s - Miller County, like many other rural areas, is impacted by the Great Depression and experiences economic challenges.
  • 1950s-1960s - The county sees advancements in infrastructure and improved access to education.
  • 1990s-Present - Miller County continues to be primarily agricultural, with peanut farming being a significant industry.