Home ~ Community Profile ~ Demographics ~ Economy ~ Government ~ Sources Community Profile :: Brooks County :: County December 11, 1858 Formed County Seat Quitman Incorporated Morven and Quitman Cities Total Area 493.7 square miles History The first settlers, in what is now Brooks County, were Spanish missionaries from Florida who arrived around 1570. Brooks County was formed from parts of Lowndes and Thomas counties and was named for Preston Brooks, a member of Congress prior to the Civil War and an avid defender of state rights. During the Civil War, the county was the main producer of food for the confederacy and became known as the "Breadbasket of the South." The county's courthouse was constructed in 1864. Brooks County officials paid for the structure with $14,958 in Confederate money, a fortunate circumstance for the county, since this currency was soon to become useless. Points of The county is home to several endangered plant and animal species Interest including the Pond Spicebush, the Wood Stork, and the Eastern Indigo snake. The Quitman Historic District, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, contains late 19th and early 20th century brick buildings in the commercial district and mainly wood frame homes from various periods and styles in the residential area. The streets are laid out in a grid with several central parks. Also listed on the National Register are the Brooks County Courthouse and the Brooks County Jail. Annual The Brooks County Peach Festival is held in Morven. Events Chamber of http://www.quitmangeorgia.org/ Commerce Additional http://www.georgiaplanning.com/CountyPortal/countyportal.asp? County Info FIPS=13027 WWI Memorial on Courthouse Lawn Gazebo in Downtown Quitman Home ~ Community Profile ~ Demographics ~ Economy ~ Government ~ Sources Return to top of page Copyright 2006 Georgia Department of Community Affairs All Rights Reserved.