Brantley County
Nahunta, Brantley County, Georgia
Marker Inscription
Brantley County. This County, created by Act of the Legislature Aug. 14, 1920, is named for Benjamin D. Brantley. It is said that the old B. & W. Railroad, which was partly destroyed, marked the most southern point of advance of Sherman's Army. Among the first County Officers were: Sheriff W.H. Howard, Ordinary Wm. M. Roberson, Clerk of Superior Court John R. James, Tax Receiver Isaac E. Highsmith, Tax Collector M.H. Robinson, Treasurer W.T. Purdom, Coroner Dr. D.L. Moore and Surveyor D.H. Raulerson. 013-1 GEORGIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION 1954
Erected by Georgia Historical Commission
The Story
Brantley County was carved from neighboring counties by the Georgia legislature in 1920 and named for Benjamin D. Brantley. Local tradition holds that the old Brunswick & Western Railroad running through it marked the southernmost point reached by Sherman's forces, and the marker lists the county's first slate of officers — sheriff, ordinary, clerk, tax collector, and the rest. It stands as a compact civic record of a young south-Georgia county's founding.
Why it matters
It reflects the steady subdivision of Georgia into ever-smaller counties in the early 20th century, and preserves the local memory of how the Civil War and the railroads shaped this corner of the state.
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Related people
- · Benjamin D. Brantley
Themes & tags
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