- Collection:
- Georgia Government Publications
- Title:
- Georgia county snapshots: McDuffie County [2006]
- Creator:
- Georgia. Department of Community Affairs
- Contributor to Resource:
- Georgia. Department of Community Affairs
- Publisher:
- Atlanta, Ga. : Georgia. Department of Community Affairs
- Date of Original:
- 2006
- Subject:
- Georgia
- Location:
- United States, Georgia, 32.75042, -83.50018
- Medium:
- publications (documents)
- Type:
- Text
- Format:
- application/pdf
- External Identifiers:
- Call Number GA C495 .S1 S6 M21 2006
- Metadata URL:
- https://dlg.galileo.usg.edu/id:dlg_ggpd_y-ga-bc495-b-ps1-bs6-bm21-b2006-belec-p-btext
- Digital Object URL:
- https://dlg.galileo.usg.edu/do:dlg_ggpd_y-ga-bc495-b-ps1-bs6-bm21-b2006-belec-p-btext
- Language:
- eng
- Holding Institution:
- University of Georgia. Map and Government Information Library
- Rights:
-
Home ~ Community Profile ~ Demographics ~ Economy ~ Government ~ Sources
Community Profile
:: McDuffie County ::
County October 18, 1870 Formed
County Seat Thomson
Incorporated Dearing and Thomson Cities
Total Area 259.8 square miles
History McDuffie County was created in 1870 from parts of Columbia and Warren counties. Georgia's 132nd county was named for George McDuffie, who was born in Georgia and served as a governor of and a senator from South Carolina.
There are several noteworthy historic sites in the county. These include the Rock House, a 1785 stone structure which is Georgia's oldest documented dwelling.
Also of interest is Wrightsboro, a community founded by Quakers in 1768. The Quakers all departed by the early 1800s because of their opposition to slavery and the town gradually declined after residents refused the railroad a right-of-way.
Points of Gold was discovered near Thomson in 1823, although local gold mines Interest only produced a total of $80,000 in gold bullion.
The presence of Interstate 20 and its location within commuting distance of Augusta should continue to provide an economic boost to McDuffie County.
Notable Notable persons from McDuffie County was Thomas Edward Watson, a Citizens U.S. Senator and leader of the Populist Party. He is credited with being
the "Father of Rural Free Delivery." Also, Blind Willie McTell, one of the true pioneers and all-time greats of country blues guitar, was born in Thomson in 1901. Among his works are blues standards such as "Statesboro Blues", "Broke Down Engine Blues", and "Love Changing Blues" that have been popularized by famous present day artists.
Annual The annual Blind Willie McTell Blues Festival is held in Thomson to Events celebrate area arts and artist.
The Belle Meade Fox Hunt, held from November to March, draws participants from Europe as well as all over the United States. This hunt is noted for not killing the fox, but merely chasing it for the sport.
County http://www.thomson-mcduffie.com/
Chamber of http://www.thomson-mcduffie.org/ Commerce
Additional http://www.georgiaplanning.com/CountyPortal/countyportal.asp? County Info FIPS=13189
Historic Depot, Thomson
Blind Willie Blues Festival, Thomson
Home ~ Community Profile ~ Demographics ~ Economy ~ Government ~ Sources
Return to top of page Copyright 2006 Georgia Department of Community Affairs
All Rights Reserved.