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Georgia Counties
Georgia is divided into one hundred and fifty-nine counties. The original eight counties of the State of Georgia were Burke, Camden, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn, Liberty, Richmond and Wilkes all created on February 5, 1777. The last new county to be established in Georgia was Peach County, established in 1924.Telfair County, Georgia
Telfair County Education, Geography, and History
Telfair County is a county located in the state of Georgia. Based on the 2010 census, the population was 16,500. Telfair County was created on December 10, 1807 from Wilkinson County. The county seat is McRae. The county is named in honor of Edward Telfair (1735-1807), the second Governor of Georgia following the establishment of the United States.
Etymology - Origin of Telfair County Name
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.
Demographics:
County QuickFacts: CensusBureau Quick Facts
Telfair County 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 Interest
At the intersection of five state highways in the county is what is known 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 Citizens
Eugene and Herman Talmadge--a father and son who each served as governor of Georgia--were from Telfair County. Herman Talmadge was also a US Senator. While governor, he was known for his progressive programs of school, hospital and road building projects.
Geography: Land and Water
As reported by the Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 444 square miles (1,150 km2), of which 437 square miles (1,130 km2) is land and 6.7 square miles (17 km2) (1.5%) is water.
Telfair county is located close to the center of Georgia. The county contains at least 50 artesian wells. Telfair is in the Ocmulgee River basin.
Neighboring Counties
Bordering counties are as follows:
- Northeast: Wheeler County
- Southeast: Jeff Davis County
- South: Coffee County
- Southwest: Ben Hill County
- West: Wilcox County
- Northwest: Dodge County
Education
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