Home ~ Community Profile ~ Demographics ~ Economy ~ Government ~ Sources 
 
Community Profile 
 
:: Telfair County :: 
 
County December 10, 1807 Formed 
County Seat McRae 
Incorporated Helena, Jacksonville, Lumber City, McRae, Milan and Scotland Cities 
Total Area 441.2 square miles 
History Telfair County, the 35th county formed in Georgia, was created in 1807. The county was named for Governor Edward Telfair, who came to Savannah from Scotland in 1766, eventually serving in the Continental Congress and as governor of Georgia. 
The county was primarily settled by Scottish Presbyterians from the Carolinas. Jacksonville was the first seat of government and remained an important river trading center until after the Civil War. Lumber City, in the eastern part of the county, is known for its 50 artesian wells. 
 
Points of At the intersection of five state highways in the county is what is known Interest as "Liberty Square," where the county has its own replica of the Statue of 
Liberty. The statue, which stands about 35 feet high, is one twelfth of the size of the original. Also located here is the old McRae fire bell, refurbished to look like the original Liberty Bell. 
The world record for the largest large-mouth bass ever caught is held by George Perry of Telfair County, who caught a fish that weighed 22 pounds, 4 ounces in 1932. The record still stands. 
Little Ocmulgee State Park started with donated land from landowners along the Ocmulgee River. This 265-acre lake with a beach situated in a 1,397-acre park is a main attraction in the county along with the 18-hole golf course and lodge. 
 
Notable Eugene and Herman Talmadge--a father and son who each served as Citizens governor of Georgia--were from Telfair County. Herman Talmadge was 
also a U.S. Senator. While governor, he was known for his progressive programs of school, hospital and road building projects. 
 
Annual Some of the local area festivals include the Lumber City Farm Day in Events September, God and Country Fourth of July Celebration, the Milan Fall 
Festival, and the Spanish Moss Festival. 
Chamber of http://www.telfairco.com/index.htm Commerce 
Additional http://www.georgiaplanning.com/CountyPortal/countyportal.asp? County Info FIPS=13271 
 
Little Ocmulgee State Park 
 
Statue of Liberty in McRae 
Home ~ Community Profile ~ Demographics ~ Economy ~ Government ~ Sources 
Return to top of page Copyright 2006 Georgia Department of Community Affairs 
All Rights Reserved.