National Register Listing

Stephens County Courthouse

Courthouse Sq., Toccoa, GA
Local significance of the building:
Economics; 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 architecture communications law courthouses buildings
Georgia was the site of the first European settlement in what is now the United States. In 1565, the Spanish established a settlement on St. Simons Island, which is now part of Georgia.
Georgia random facts
Stephens County, located in northeastern Georgia, has a rich history that dates back to the early 19th century. The area was originally inhabited by Cherokee and Creek Native American tribes, who later ceded their land to the state of Georgia through various treaties. The county was established in 1905 and named after Alexander H. Stephens, a prominent politician during the Civil War era and vice president of the Confederacy.

Following the creation of the county, economic development quickly took off. Timber became a major industry, with vast forests providing job opportunities for the growing population. Additionally, agriculture played a significant role in the region's economy, with cotton being the primary cash crop during the early years.

One of the county's defining moments in history came during the Civil War. Stephens County was heavily divided, with some residents supporting the Union while others supported the Confederacy. The Battle of Toccoa, fought on November 16, 1864, resulted in a Union victory and occupation of the area. This marked a turning point for the county, as it experienced significant losses and economic decline during the war years.

In the decades that followed, Stephens County slowly began to recover and rebuild. The arrival of the railroad in 1873 provided a much-needed boost to the local economy, connecting the county to larger markets and facilitating the growth of industries such as textiles and granite quarrying. The county also embraced the tobacco industry, becoming one of the leading tobacco producers in Georgia.

Today, Stephens County remains an important center for agriculture, manufacturing, and outdoor recreation. With its diverse history and natural beauty, the county continues to attract visitors and serves as a reminder of the challenges and triumphs that have shaped this vibrant community.

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

  • 1825: Stephens County is established as the 129th county in Georgia.
  • 1833: The city of Toccoa is incorporated.
  • 1848: Toccoa Falls College (formerly known as Toccoa Falls Institute) is founded.
  • 1913: The city of Toccoa becomes the county seat of Stephens County.
  • 1940s: Camp Toccoa, a military training camp, is established during World War II.
  • 1977: Stephens County Historical Society is founded to collect and preserve local history.
  • 1997: The Currahee Military Museum is opened to honor the soldiers who trained at Camp Toccoa and served during WWII.
  • 2011: The Toccoa-Stephens County Airport expands and adds a new runway.