Home ~ Community Profile ~ Demographics ~ Economy ~ Government ~ Sources Community Profile :: Burke County :: County February 5, 1777 Formed County Seat Waynesboro Incorporated Girard, Keysville, Midville, Sardis, Vidette and Waynesboro Cities Total Area 830.6 square miles History Burke County was one of Georgia's original eight counties. Originally organized as the Parish of St. George, Burke County was named for English political writer, member of the British Parliament and supporter of the colonies' interests, Edmond Burke. Known as the "Bird Dog Capital of the World," Waynesboro was named for General Anthony "Mad Anthony" Wayne, a famous Revolutionary soldier. Points of Georgia Power Company's Alvin W. Vogtle Nuclear Power Plant is located Interest in the county on the Savannah River and began operation in the late 1980s. Notable Burke County claims ten Georgia Governors by birth, residence, or Citizens marriage. Lyman Hall, Georgia signer of the Declaration of Independence and member of the Continental Congress, had a plantation in the county. The other nine Governors with Burke County ties are John Houston, Samuel Elbert, Edward Telfair, Jared Irwin, James Jackson, David Emanuel, William Schley, Herschel V. Johnson and Hoke Smith. Annual Burke County is home of numerous festivals and special events. The Events Georgia Field Trials is one of the nation's oldest hunting dog competitions. The Redbreast Festival, celebrates the Ogeechee River's unique variety of red breasted bream. Other events include the Cotton Country Festival, the Tour of Homes and Christmas on Liberty Square. County http://www.burkecounty-ga.gov/ Additional http://www.georgiaplanning.com/CountyPortal/countyportal.asp? County Info FIPS=13033 Burke County Museum, Waynesboro Vogtle Nuclear Power Plant Home ~ Community Profile ~ Demographics ~ Economy ~ Government ~ Sources Return to top of page Copyright 2006 Georgia Department of Community Affairs All Rights Reserved.