Historical Markers in Morgan County, Georgia
Advanced Education Center
Antebellum Architecture
Antioch Baptist Church
Apalachee
Banking Institutions
Bethany
Bostwick
Brownwood-Centennial
Buckhead
Civic Advancement
Community Settlement
Confederate Dead
Dorsey
Early Academies
Early Public Forum
Early Religious Life
Fairplay
Fairview
Federal Raid
Flat Rock
Formal Southern Landscapes
Foundation to Consolidation
Freedmen's Schooling
Freedom of Assembly
Godfrey
Hard Labor Creek State Park
In Memory of the Boys from Morgan County, Georgia
Industrial Corridor
Joshua Hill Home
Lodging Establishments
Madison
Madison Historic Cemeteries
Madison Station
Madison Train Station
Mallory
Matthew Talbot
Morgan County
Oliver Hardy, Genius of Comedy
Park Home and Site of Parks Mill
Park's Mill
Pennington
Progressive Experiment
Railroad Street Commerce
Reconstruction Property Rights
Reese
Rutledge
Rutledge Station
Segregated Burial Grounds
Seven Islands Road
Springfield
Swords
The March to the Sea
The March to the Sea
The March to the Sea
The Oconee River Railroad Bridge
The Stoneman Raid
The Town Commons
The Town Park
The Town Spring
The Town Square
Vernacular Construction
William Tappan Thompson
WWII B-25C Airplane Crash
About Morgan County
Morgan County Timeline
Morgan County, Georgia is located in the central part of the state and has a rich history dating back to the early 19th century. The area was originally inhabited by Creek and Cherokee Native American tribes before European settlers arrived. In 1807, the county was officially established and named after Revolutionary War General Daniel Morgan.
During the 19th century, Morgan County became an agricultural hub, with cotton being the primary crop. Plantations were established throughout the county, leading to a significant increase in enslaved African American labor. The county experienced growth and prosperity until the Civil War erupted. Like many parts of the South, Morgan County was deeply affected by the war, with many plantations destroyed and lives lost.
After the Civil War, Morgan County underwent a period of rebuilding and transition. Agriculture remained the dominant industry, but new industries such as textiles and manufacturing began to emerge. The county's historic towns, such as Madison and Rutledge, developed as commercial centers and still retain much of their antebellum architecture today.
In the 20th century, Morgan County continued to evolve and adapt to changing times. The community saw improvements in infrastructure, education, and healthcare. The county also experienced periods of economic growth and decline, as industries came and went. Today, Morgan County is known for its scenic beauty, historic charm, and thriving tourism industry, attracting visitors from across the country.
During the 19th century, Morgan County became an agricultural hub, with cotton being the primary crop. Plantations were established throughout the county, leading to a significant increase in enslaved African American labor. The county experienced growth and prosperity until the Civil War erupted. Like many parts of the South, Morgan County was deeply affected by the war, with many plantations destroyed and lives lost.
After the Civil War, Morgan County underwent a period of rebuilding and transition. Agriculture remained the dominant industry, but new industries such as textiles and manufacturing began to emerge. The county's historic towns, such as Madison and Rutledge, developed as commercial centers and still retain much of their antebellum architecture today.
In the 20th century, Morgan County continued to evolve and adapt to changing times. The community saw improvements in infrastructure, education, and healthcare. The county also experienced periods of economic growth and decline, as industries came and went. Today, Morgan County is known for its scenic beauty, historic charm, and thriving tourism industry, attracting visitors from across the country.
Morgan County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Morgan County, Georgia.
- 1807 - Morgan County is established from parts of Baldwin and Jones counties.
- 1808 - The city of Madison is founded as the county seat.
- 1814 - The first courthouse is built.
- 1824 - Historic Rutledge is incorporated.
- 1830 - The Georgia Railroad is completed in Madison.
- 1854 - The Madison-Morgan Cultural Center is built as the city's first public school.
- 1861-1865 - Morgan County is heavily impacted by the American Civil War.
- 1901 - The iconic Morgan County Courthouse is built in Madison.
- 1910 - The first concrete bridge in the county is constructed.
- 1939 - Hard Labor Creek State Park is established.
- 1980 - Morgan County High School is established.