Bacon Family Homestead
W. Durham St. and Albany Bainbridge Stage Rd., Baconton, GA Local significance of the building: Landscape Architecture; Commerce; Historic - Non-aboriginal; Exploration/settlement; Architecture; Agriculture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1983.
About National Register Listings
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.
In the early 20th century, Georgia was known for its "convict leasing" system, which allowed companies to lease prisoners from the state for labor. The system was abolished in 1908 after investigations revealed widespread abuse and mistreatment of prisoners.
About Mitchell County
Mitchell County Timeline
Mitchell County, Georgia has a rich and diverse history that spans hundreds of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, such as the Creek and the Cherokee, before European settlers arrived. In the early 1800s, the land that would become Mitchell County was part of the original territory of the Creek Indians, until it was ceded to the United States in the Treaty of Fort Jackson in 1814.
The county was established on December 21, 1857, and was named after David Brydie Mitchell, a Georgia governor, and United States senator. The early economy of Mitchell County was centered around agriculture, primarily cotton. The fertile soil and warm climate made it an ideal location for cotton plantations, and many wealthy plantation owners settled in the area.
During the American Civil War, Mitchell County experienced the impact of the conflict, with many young men from the area enlisting in the Confederate Army. The county saw its share of battles and skirmishes as Union troops moved through the region. After the war, the economy of Mitchell County shifted towards a more diversified agricultural base, including tobacco, peanuts, and timber.
In the 20th century, Mitchell County continued to evolve and thrive. The establishment of the Georgia Northern Railroad in the early 1900s brought increased transportation options and economic opportunities to the region. The county endured the challenges of the Great Depression but managed to rebound with the help of federal programs such as the Works Progress Administration.
Today, Mitchell County is known for its agriculture and small-town charm. It is home to a tight-knit community that takes pride in its history and natural beauty. From its Native American origins to its agricultural roots and the challenges faced throughout its history, Mitchell County remains an important part of Georgia's cultural and economic heritage.
The county was established on December 21, 1857, and was named after David Brydie Mitchell, a Georgia governor, and United States senator. The early economy of Mitchell County was centered around agriculture, primarily cotton. The fertile soil and warm climate made it an ideal location for cotton plantations, and many wealthy plantation owners settled in the area.
During the American Civil War, Mitchell County experienced the impact of the conflict, with many young men from the area enlisting in the Confederate Army. The county saw its share of battles and skirmishes as Union troops moved through the region. After the war, the economy of Mitchell County shifted towards a more diversified agricultural base, including tobacco, peanuts, and timber.
In the 20th century, Mitchell County continued to evolve and thrive. The establishment of the Georgia Northern Railroad in the early 1900s brought increased transportation options and economic opportunities to the region. The county endured the challenges of the Great Depression but managed to rebound with the help of federal programs such as the Works Progress Administration.
Today, Mitchell County is known for its agriculture and small-town charm. It is home to a tight-knit community that takes pride in its history and natural beauty. From its Native American origins to its agricultural roots and the challenges faced throughout its history, Mitchell County remains an important part of Georgia's cultural and economic heritage.
Mitchell County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Mitchell County, Georgia.
- 1818 - Mitchell County is established as a county in Georgia.
- 1825 - The county's name is changed from Camilla County to Mitchell County in honor of General Henry Mitchell.
- 1836 - The city of Camilla is incorporated as the county seat.
- 1861-1865 - Mitchell County is deeply affected by the American Civil War.
- 1872 - The first courthouse in Mitchell County is built in Camilla.
- 1923 - The first hospital in Mitchell County, the Pelham Hospital, is established.
- 1930s - Mitchell County experiences economic hardship during the Great Depression.
- 1942 - Mitchell County is one of the counties affected by the construction of the Albany Army Airfield during World War II.
- 1950s-1970s - The civil rights movement brings significant changes to Mitchell County.
- 1994 - The Mitchell County Hospital is renamed Mitchell County Hospital and Nursing Home.
- 2017 - Hurricane Irma causes significant damage to Mitchell County.