National Register Listing

Silvertown Historic District

a.k.a. Silvertown Mill Village; Martha Mills

Approx. 1 mile north of downtown along GA 19, Thomaston, GA
Local significance of the district:
Architecture; Community Planning And Development; Landscape Architecture; Industry

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2021.

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 community planning and development landscape architecture industry
Audiobooks about the history of Georgia.
The largest land battle of the Civil War, the Battle of Chickamauga, took place in Georgia in 1863. Over 34,000 Union and Confederate soldiers were killed, wounded, or missing in the battle.
Georgia random facts
Upson County, situated in the heart of Georgia, has a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1824. The county was named after Stephen Upson, a Georgia lawyer and legislator. Initially, the region was inhabited by Creek and Cherokee Native American tribes, but with the arrival of European settlers, the area quickly transformed.

In the early years, Upson County was an agrarian society, with cotton being the primary crop. The introduction of the railroad in the mid-1800s played a crucial role in the county's economic growth, facilitating transportation of goods to neighboring towns. With the railroad's arrival, manufacturing and trade in Upson County flourished, solidifying its position as a commercial hub.

The Civil War had a significant impact on Upson County, as it did on much of the South. Many residents enlisted in the Confederate Army, contributing to the war effort. Post-war, the county faced the challenges of Reconstruction, but gradually recovered, diversifying its economy beyond just agriculture.

In the 20th century, industry and manufacturing continued to thrive in Upson County. The textile industry was particularly successful, attracting businesses and providing jobs for the community. Over time, the county modernized, with advancements in education, healthcare, and infrastructure. Today, Upson County remains a vibrant community with a mix of agricultural, industrial, and service-based industries, embracing its heritage while striving for progress.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Upson County, Georgia.

  • 1824 – Upson County was established on December 15, 1824, as a result of the Treaty of Indian Springs.
  • 1825 – Thomaston was established as the county seat.
  • 1847 – The Macon and Western Railroad reached Thomaston, boosting the local economy.
  • 1861 – Upson County sent soldiers to fight in the Civil War on the side of the Confederacy.
  • 1875 – The first cotton mill was established in Thomaston, ushering in a period of industrial growth.
  • 1936 – The famous textile strike known as the "Thomaston-Upson County Strike" occurred.
  • 1965 – The R.G. LeTourneau plant was established, bringing employment opportunities to the area.
  • 1989 – The Flint River floods devastated parts of Upson County.
  • 1996 – Upson County celebrated its 125th anniversary.
  • 2010 – The population of Upson County was recorded at 27,153 during the U.S. Census.