Appling County is located in the southeastern corner of Georgia and is part of the Historic South region. Its county seat is Baxley, and other notable towns include Graham, Surrency, and Needmore. The area is known for its rolling hills, pine forests, rivers, and streams. The Altamaha River flows through the southern part of the county. Appling County covers an area of 441 square miles and has a population of approximately 18,000 people.
The county was established in 1818 from parts of Tattnall and Liberty Counties and was named after former Georgia Governor Daniel Appling. It has a long history as a center for agriculture with many farms scattered throughout the area. Cotton was once king in Appling County with much of it being grown on small family farms. Many farmers also raised cattle, chickens, pigs, hogs, sheep and horses as well as growing fruits and vegetables for local consumption.
The county’s economy also relies on timber production from its large tracts of pine forests which are harvested for paper products or used in construction projects. There are also several manufacturing companies located within Appling County that produce plastic products or furniture components which employ many local residents.
Appling County has several attractions to draw visitors to the area including Reed Bingham State Park which offers camping sites as well as fishing in its numerous lakes; Laura S Walker State Park which offers swimming opportunities; Akins Farms where visitors can pick their own fruits or vegetables; and Magnolia Springs State Park which features a Civil War fortification site among other attractions. There are also several museums such as the Baxley-Appling Museum which houses artifacts from Appling County’s past; Okefenokee Heritage Center which focuses on local history; Surrency Museum & Cultural Center showcasing history through artifacts; Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art offering art classes to adults and children alike; Needmore History Museum highlighting local history through exhibits; Graham Community House museum showcasing local artifacts dating back to colonial times;and Graham Historical Society providing historical information about the town’s past residents among other attractions..
In addition to these attractions, there are also numerous festivals throughout the year such as Appleseed Festival celebrating local culture; Baxley Blueberry Festival featuring blueberry-related activities; Okefenokee Heritage Festival celebrating traditional culture with music performances by regional bands; Harvest Festival showcasing locally grown produce at nearby farms amongst others that draw visitors from all over Georgia each year..
Appling County is a great place to live because it offers something for everyone – from outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy exploring its parks to those interested in learning about its rich history or simply enjoying some fun festivals throughout the year! Its communities have a small-town feel while still providing access to larger cities like Jacksonville or Savannah if needed making it an ideal spot for those looking for both rural charm and convenience.
History of Appling County, Georgia
Appling County, Georgia was established in 1818, and is the state’s forty-sixth county. It was named after Captain Daniel Appling, a distinguished soldier of the War of 1812. The county is located in southeastern Georgia and borders South Carolina to the east.
The area that would eventually become Appling County was first inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Creek and Cherokee nations. The land was ceded to Georgia in 1790 and settlement began shortly afterwards, with most of the settlers coming from North Carolina.
In 1818, Appling County was officially formed from parts of Montgomery and Tattnall Counties. Baxley was designated as the county seat due to its location at the center of the county. The first courthouse was built in 1820 and a jail soon followed in 1825.
During this period, Appling County experienced rapid growth due to its fertile soil and abundance of timber resources. Agriculture became an important industry for residents as they planted corn, cotton, tobacco, sweet potatoes, rice and other crops. In addition to agriculture, residents also made a living through lumbering operations such as sawmills and turpentine stills.
During the Civil War (1861-1865), Appling County sided with the Confederacy despite having a large number of Union sympathizers living within its borders. Many men from the county fought for both sides during this conflict with some even forming their own militia units called “Home Guards” which were tasked with protecting against deserters or Union troops entering into local areas without permission from Confederate forces stationed nearby.
After Reconstruction ended in 1877, Appling County continued to experience growth thanks to improved transportation infrastructure such as new roads being built throughout the region which allowed for easier access between townships within it’s boundaries . This development led to an increase in commerce between neighboring counties as well as increased trade activity with cities like Savannah or Charleston on either side of Georgia’s borderline states (South Carolina & Florida).
Appling County continued to thrive throughout much of 20th century especially during World War II when it became home to several military bases that housed soldiers preparing for deployment overseas or receiving training before being sent back into battlefronts abroad (such as Camp Stewart). This influx of personnel helped spur economic development within local communities while also providing employment opportunities for many residents who had previously been out of work due to the Great Depression prior decade ago (1930s).
Today, Appling County remains largely unchanged since its formation two centuries ago thanks largely due its strong agricultural roots and commitment towards preserving nature within its borders through organizations like Keep Appling Beautiful or Friends Of The Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge which have helped ensure that this part of rural Georgia stays beautiful for future generations enjoy.