National Register Listing

Seminole County Courthouse

Courthouse Sq., Donaldsonville, GA
Local significance of the building:
Economics; Law; Politics/government; Architecture; Communications

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1980.

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.

economics law politics government architecture communications courthouses buildings
Audiobooks about the history of Georgia.
Georgia was the last of the original 13 colonies to be established. It was founded in 1732, over 100 years after the first English settlement in Virginia.
Georgia random facts
Seminole County, Georgia, was established on December 26, 1920, after being carved out from portions of Decatur and Early counties. The county was named after the Seminole tribe of Native Americans, who previously inhabited the region. The county seat, Donalsonville, was named in honor of Jonathan E. Donalson, a prominent local planter and politician.

The area that is now Seminole County had a rich agricultural history, with cotton being the dominant crop in the early years. The region's fertile soil and favorable climate made it ideal for farming, and many settlers migrated to the area to take advantage of the agricultural opportunities. As the cotton industry declined in the late 19th century, farmers began to diversify their crops, including peanuts, corn, and tobacco.

In the early 20th century, Seminole County experienced a boom in population and economic growth due to the construction of several railroads. The development of transportation infrastructure facilitated the transportation of goods and raw materials, spurring industrialization and commerce in the county. The county's economy continued to rely on agriculture, particularly peanuts, which became a significant cash crop.

Over the years, Seminole County has faced its share of challenges, including natural disasters such as floods and hurricanes. In recent times, the county has focused on promoting tourism and outdoor recreational activities, capitalizing on its natural beauty and proximity to Lake Seminole. Today, Seminole County remains a small rural community with a rich agricultural heritage and a commitment to preserving its natural resources while embracing economic opportunities.

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

  • Seminole County was established on December 26, 1920.
  • In the early 1800s, the area was inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Seminole people.
  • During the 19th century, the area experienced conflicts between Native Americans and settlers.
  • In 1823, the Treaty of Moultrie Creek was signed, which designated a reservation for the Seminole tribe.
  • During the 1830s, the Seminole Wars took place as the U.S. government sought to relocate the Seminole people to Indian Territory (present-day Oklahoma).
  • In the late 1800s, European-American settlers began to move into the area and establish farms.
  • On December 26, 1920, Seminole County was officially established from portions of Decatur County and Early County.
  • The county was named after the Seminole Native American tribe.
  • In the early 20th century, Seminole County's economy relied on agriculture, particularly the cultivation of cotton.
  • Over the years, the county has experienced socio-economic changes but remains a rural area with a strong agricultural heritage.