National Register Listing

Smith-Nelson Hotel

a.k.a. Nelson Hotel

118 S. Main St., Reidsville, GA
Local significance of the building:
Architecture; Commerce

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2001.

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 commerce inns, hotels, motels
In 1958, Georgia became the first state to lower the voting age from 21 to 18, although this was later overturned by the Supreme Court.
Georgia random facts
Tattnall County, located in the southeastern part of Georgia, has a rich history dating back to the early 19th century. Named after Josiah Tattnall, a war hero and politician, the county was founded on December 5th, 1801. The early years of the county were marked by agricultural development, with farming and the production of cotton becoming the backbone of the local economy.

During the Civil War, Tattnall County played a significant role. Many residents of the county served in the Confederate Army, with the county contributing soldiers to several famous regiments. The Battle of Fort McAllister, a pivotal engagement during General Sherman's March to the Sea, was fought in the county in 1864. After the war, the county experienced a period of reconstruction and rebuilding as it navigated the challenges of the post-war era.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Tattnall County witnessed a boom in the timber industry. Pine forests covered the area, and logging became an important economic activity. The establishment of sawmills and timber companies brought jobs and prosperity to the county. During this time, the railroad also arrived in Tattnall County, further boosting economic growth and connecting the area to other parts of the state.

In the 20th century, Tattnall County continued to evolve and adapt to changing times. The county weathered the challenges of the Great Depression and experienced growth and development in industries like agriculture, manufacturing, and services. Today, Tattnall County remains a thriving community with a diverse economy, rich natural resources, and a strong sense of heritage and history.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Tattnall County, Georgia.

  • 1801 - Tattnall County established as Georgia's 47th county
  • 1811 - Reuben Dunn becomes the first sheriff of Tattnall County
  • 1831 - Charles Joseph McDonald, future Georgia governor, is born in Tattnall County
  • 1850s - Tattnall County experiences significant population growth due to the expansion of agriculture and timber industries
  • 1861-1865 - Many Tattnall County residents serve in the Confederate Army during the American Civil War
  • 1881 - Glennville, the county seat, is incorporated
  • 1906 - Tattnall County High School, the county's first consolidated high school, is established
  • 1960s - Tattnall County experiences advancements in infrastructure and transportation with the construction of new highways
  • 1977 - The Tattnall Journal, the county's local newspaper, begins publication
  • 1997 - Part of Tattnall County's land becomes part of the new Long County