Peterson-Wilbanks House
404 Jackson St., Vidalia, GA Local significance of the building: Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1990.
About National Register Listings
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.
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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.
About Toombs County
Toombs County Timeline
Toombs County, Georgia is located in the southeastern part of the state. The county was established on August 18, 1905, making it one of the younger counties in Georgia. It was named after Robert Toombs, a prominent politician and statesman from Georgia who served as a U.S. senator and later as the Secretary of State for the Confederate States during the Civil War.
Before the county's establishment, this area was inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Creek and Yuchi peoples. European settlement began in the early 1800s, with the land initially occupied by farmers and planters who established large cotton and tobacco plantations. The county's first town, Vidalia, was incorporated in 1890, and it has since become the county seat of Toombs County.
Toombs County's economy has long been rooted in agriculture. Until the mid-20th century, cotton was the primary cash crop, and the county became known for its high-quality long-staple cotton. In the late 1930s, a new hybrid variety called the Vidalia onion was developed, revolutionizing the local agricultural industry. Today, Vidalia onions are renowned worldwide for their sweet and mild flavor, and they remain a significant part of Toombs County's economy.
Over the years, Toombs County has experienced growth and development. The county's population steadily increased, resulting in the establishment of additional towns and communities, including Lyons, Santa Claus, and Cedar Crossing. The county has also seen advancements in education, healthcare, and infrastructure to support its growing population and economic activities.
In summary, Toombs County has risen from its agricultural roots to become a thriving community with a diverse economy. Its rich history, from Native American settlements to the development of Vidalia onions, has shaped the county's identity and contributed to its growth. Today, Toombs County continues to evolve while preserving its heritage and promoting its unique agricultural products.
Before the county's establishment, this area was inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Creek and Yuchi peoples. European settlement began in the early 1800s, with the land initially occupied by farmers and planters who established large cotton and tobacco plantations. The county's first town, Vidalia, was incorporated in 1890, and it has since become the county seat of Toombs County.
Toombs County's economy has long been rooted in agriculture. Until the mid-20th century, cotton was the primary cash crop, and the county became known for its high-quality long-staple cotton. In the late 1930s, a new hybrid variety called the Vidalia onion was developed, revolutionizing the local agricultural industry. Today, Vidalia onions are renowned worldwide for their sweet and mild flavor, and they remain a significant part of Toombs County's economy.
Over the years, Toombs County has experienced growth and development. The county's population steadily increased, resulting in the establishment of additional towns and communities, including Lyons, Santa Claus, and Cedar Crossing. The county has also seen advancements in education, healthcare, and infrastructure to support its growing population and economic activities.
In summary, Toombs County has risen from its agricultural roots to become a thriving community with a diverse economy. Its rich history, from Native American settlements to the development of Vidalia onions, has shaped the county's identity and contributed to its growth. Today, Toombs County continues to evolve while preserving its heritage and promoting its unique agricultural products.
Toombs County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Toombs County, Georgia.
- Toombs County was established on August 18, 1905.
- The county was named after Robert Toombs, a prominent politician and Confederate general.
- In the late 1800s, the town of Lyons was established as the county seat.
- In 1912, the Georgia Public Service Commission granted a franchise to Central of Georgia Railway, allowing them to operate through Toombs County.
- During the mid-1900s, Toombs County experienced significant growth in agriculture, particularly in the production of tobacco, cotton, and Vidalia onions.
- In 1977, the Ohoopee River was designated as a National Wild and Scenic River in recognition of its ecological importance.
- Throughout the 20th century, Toombs County established various educational and healthcare facilities to serve its growing population.
- In recent years, Toombs County has focused on promoting tourism and outdoor recreation opportunities to further boost its economy.