National Register Listing

Quitman County Jail

a.k.a. Old Quitman County Jail

Main St., Georgetown, GA
Local significance of the building:
Architecture; Social History

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.

architecture social history jails and prisons
During the American Revolution, Georgia was the site of several important battles, including the Battle of Kettle Creek in 1779, which was a significant victory for the Patriot forces.
Georgia random facts
Quitman County is a small county located in southwestern Georgia that has a rich history dating back to its earliest Native American inhabitants. The area was originally home to the Creek and Cherokee tribes before European settlers arrived in the 18th century. The County was officially established on December 10, 1858, and was named after General John A. Quitman, who served as a hero in the Mexican-American War.

During the Civil War, Quitman County was heavily impacted, as it was located within the Confederacy. Agriculture, primarily cotton, was the main economic activity, and the County relied on enslaved labor to sustain its plantations. After the war, the County faced significant challenges, including economic downturn and population decline.

In the 20th century, Quitman County experienced several social, economic, and infrastructural developments. The Great Depression hit the County hard, resulting in poverty and unemployment for many residents. However, the County received a boost from various New Deal programs initiated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, which aimed to provide jobs and stimulate the economy.

Today, Quitman County is known for its picturesque landscapes, including the Chattahoochee River, which forms part of its western border. It is a rural county with a small population, and agriculture, particularly timber production, remains as an important industry. The County continues to grapple with economic challenges, but efforts are being made to promote tourism and support small businesses to foster growth and prosperity in the region.

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

  • 1820s: Quitman County originally part of Muscogee County.
  • 1830: Quitman County established as a separate county.
  • 1831: Georgetown becomes the county seat.
  • 1850s: Population in Quitman County grows due to the expansion of cotton cultivation.
  • 1861-1865: Quitman County residents actively participate in the Civil War.
  • 1870s: County experiences economic difficulties following the Civil War.
  • 1880: Georgetown's status as county seat is challenged by nearby Morris Station.
  • 1884: Georgetown remains county seat after a heated dispute.
  • 1940s: Quitman County suffers a decline in population due to widespread agricultural mechanization.
  • 1980s: County faces economic challenges as industries close.
  • Present: Quitman County, GA continues to be a rural and historically significant area.