National Register Listing

Webster County Courthouse

Courthouse Sq., Preston, 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
Webster County, located in the state of Georgia, has a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1853. Named after Daniel Webster, a prominent American statesman, the county was formed from parts of neighboring Stewart and Sumter Counties. The area was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Creek and Cherokee, who had a significant presence in the region.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Webster County experienced rapid growth and development, fueled by the expansion of the railroad network. The arrival of the Southwestern Railroad in the late 1800s boosted the local economy, especially in the town of Preston, which became a major trade and transportation hub in the region.

Agriculture played a vital role in the county's history, with cotton being the primary crop in the early years. As the cotton industry declined, farmers shifted their focus to other crops like peanuts, corn, and soybeans. Webster County also had a flourishing timber industry, utilizing its vast forests for lumber production.

Over the years, Webster County's population has fluctuated, with various factors influencing migration patterns. Despite its small size and rural character, the county continues to be a close-knit community, rich in tradition and Southern heritage. Today, Webster County remains a largely agricultural area, with a strong emphasis on preserving its historical roots and natural resources.

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

  • 1832 - Webster County is created from parts of Lee and Stewart counties.
  • 1833 - County seat is established in Preston, named after William Preston, a senator from South Carolina.
  • 1853 - The county seat is moved to Weston.
  • 1861-1865 - Webster County is deeply affected by the American Civil War.
  • 1870 - The county seat is moved back to Preston.
  • 1906 - The Webster County High School is established.
  • 1965 - The county courthouse burns down and is rebuilt the following year.
  • Today, Webster County remains a rural community with a strong agricultural heritage.