Wilkinson County, Georgia

Dominant soil types found in the Coastal Plain sector of the county share sandy layers; some have loamy surface and subsurface layers. These soil types are:

	Orangeburg-Faceville soils are located on the ridgetops and slopes and are well drained. These soils have slight erosion hazards and equipment limitations, are generally suited for recreation development and for the development of streets and residential and commercial buildings. For sanitary facilities and shallow excavations, the clay may be a concern. These are well drained soils making up about 30 percent of the county, with slopes of 10 percent or less.
	Dothan-Orangeburg-Fuquay soils are located on the ridgetops and slopes and are well drained. Dothan and Fuquay soils have slight to moderate restrictions for recreation facilities and are generally suited for building development but have limitations for septic tank/sanitary facilities. These soils make up about 4 percent of the county and very slight slopes of less than 8 percent.
	Lakeland-Eustis soils are found on the ridgetops and slopes and are well drained to excessively well drained. These soils make up a small portion of the county, about 4 percent, are sandy and have slopes from level ground up to 12 percent. These soils are mainly forested and are better suited to urban development. They need special consideration when being developed for recreation usage or for construction of sanitary facilities.
	Lakeland-Orangeburg-Lucy soils also are found on ridgetops and hillsides and make up approximately 18 percent of the county's soils. They are well drained to excessively drained sandy soils. with slopes ranging from level ground to 17 percent. These soils are usually forested and are suitable for recreation uses.
	Vaucluse-Ailey-Cowarts soils types, are located on gentle slopes and ridgetops of the Sand Hills/Fall Line Hills area of the county. These are well drained, with sandy or loamy surfaces with loamy subsoil. These soils make up approximately 6 percent of the county and have slopes ranging from 2 to 17 percent. These soils are best suited for urban type development and are often cultivated, though not especially well suited for farming. Because they are well drained, there is a danger of erosion.

Along the Oconee River and the creeks which cross the county are the floodplain soils which range from well drained to poorly drained. These soils are made up of the following:

Chewacla-Chastain-Congaree soils are found on nearly level ground, with loamy surface layer and subsoil which is loamy or clayey. These soils make up about 6 percent of the county and range from poorly drained to well drained soils in the floodplains, with slopes of less than 2 percent. These soils are well suited to commercial forestry usage but not for urban development nor for cultivation of row crops. Proper management is necessary in these areas, especially measures dealing with flood plain management and wetlands protection.

Bibb-Kinston soils also are found on nearly level ground with loamy or sandy surface and subsurface layers. These are poorly drained soils with slopes of less than 2 percent and make up 8 percent of the county. With proper management, these soils are suited for commercial forestry practice, but not for farming or urban development due to flood hazards.

b. Erosion Potential

Erosion is a major concern in those sections of Wilkinson County with slopes greater than 2 percent, which translates to the majority of the county. Most of the soil types have slopes between 2 and 8 percent. This is a problem especially where the sandy layer of topsoil has eroded away, leaving the clay underlayer either exposed or close to the surface. All soils of Wilkinson County are classified as having "slight" management concerns for erosion. Those soils with the greatest slopes have the greatest potential for erosion if not managed properly, including the planting or maintaining of ground cover. Faceville soils have the highest erosion susceptibility.

The Georgia Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Act of 1975 established a statewide erosion control program. This act enables each county to adopt an ordinance regulating activities under their jurisdiction to prevent erosion and sedimentation problems. Certain activities are exempted from this act, including surface mining operations and quarrying. The Act set forth a number of minimum standards which must be considered when preparing a local ordinance, including:

	development activities such as excavation and grading must be done in a way to minimize erosion;
	development must conform to topography and soil type;
	previous vegetation must be maintained whenever possible;
	damage from surface water to adjacent property must be minimized;
	erosion control mechanisms and vegetation must be installed as quickly as possible.

c. Prime Agricultural and Forest Land

Approximately 293,000 acres of the county is forested, primarily as planted pine trees with some hardwoods. A 1989 U.S. Forest Service survey established that 249,406 acres were forested timberlands. Specific usage of the acreage in 1989 was:

	4,000 acres in long leaf and slash pine,
	84,000 acres in loblolly and short leaf pine,
	32,000 acres of oak and pine,
	74,000 acres of oak and hickory,
	43,000 acres of oak, gum and cypress, and
	12,000 acres of alm, ash and cottonwood.

The latter two types of growth are commonly associated with bottom lands, primarily along rivers and creeks and wetland areas.

The Orangeburg, Lucy, and Faceville soils of Wilkinson County are particularly suitable for the growing of loblolly, slash, longleaf pines. In these soil type areas, management concerns of these forests are slight to moderate, making the commercial production of these trees desirable. These forests are of great importance to both the environment and economy of the county.

Very little of the land in the county is used for farming. The 1992 Census of Agriculture reported that only 31,838 acres were in farms, or 11.1 percent of total county acreage. The soil types Orangeburg, Faceville and Dothan soils are considered prime agricultural soils and comprise approximately 65,0000 acres. Soil in the county supports the cultivation of such crops as corn, peanuts, wheat for grain, and soybeans. No appreciable amounts of cotton or tobacco are grown in Wilkinson County. In the nineteenth century, cotton, corn, sweet potatoes, and grains were grown. In 1982, less than 15 percent of the county was planted in crops and less than 10 percent was used for pasture lands.

By its very nature, the mining industry is detrimental to the forests and the general landscape. Consequently, reputable mining companies revive and reclaim for future use the lands they dig. In Georgia, by law, an acre of land must be reclaimed for each acre mined at a cost of approximately $1,700 per acre to the mining company. In the process of reclamation, companies backfill the holes to conform with adjacent topography in order to maintain as closely as possible the "look and feel" of the area. Terraces are often constructed to prevent erosion. In reclamation, commercial forests are planted as well as vegetative cover to act as erosion control and to provide wildlife habitat.

General Soil Map- Insert Here

d. Suitability for Development

(1) Steep Slopes

Slopes greater than 25 percent are shown on Map IV A.2. The majority of the county has slopes ranging from two to eight percent, with erosion a cause for concern in some areas. Care must be taken in both agricultural and mining practices to prevent erosion from occurring. A sedimentation and erosion plan for the entire county would be a step toward preventing harm to the natural resources from erosion.

(2) Flood Hazard Areas

Floodplains in the county follow the lines of the Oconee River and its tributaries and feeder streams. Soils in these areas are Chewacla-Chastain-Congaree and Bibb-Kinston, range from well-drained to very poorly drained, and are those commonly found in floodplains. Ivey, Gordon and Irwinton participate in the FEMA National Flood Insurance program. Predominant zones throughout the county are Zone A and Zone AE. Map IV A.3 shows the general floodplain delineations of the county.

In the FEMA classifications, base flood elevations for 100-year flood were not determined in Zone A but have been for Zone AE. In Ivey, effective 1986, the areas along Lake Tchukolaho and Commissioner Creek were classified as Zone A, as were the areas along the northeast and southeastern city limits. The remainder of the city of Ivey is classified as Zone C. In Gordon, lands along Little Commissioner Creek and its tributary are designated as Zone A and AE. In Irwinton, along Town Branch, Bear Camp Branch and two separate areas near the city limits north and south of U.S. 441, floodplains are defined as Zone A.

For FEMA purposes, Ivey is Community-Panel 130420 0005 B, Gordon is Community-Panel 130259 numbers 0001-0002, and Irwinton, Community number 130440 A. Toomsboro and McIntyre do not participate in the FEMA program but are delineated by the Federal Insurance Administration of the Department of Housing and Urban Development. They are recorded as community numbers 130422 and 130421, respectively.

Limited residential development has occurred in the floodplain in Ivey. Generally the floodplains across the county have not been affected by the development so flooding has never been an issue for the residents. Since there is no problem there is very limited support for any sort of protection of floodplains. However, floodplain protection will be considered when a comprehensive land development ordinance is prepared. There are no planned activities within the county which will have positive or negative impacts on the floodplains.

(3) Poorly Suited Soils

Soils throughout the county are generally well suited for development. Those which have environmental constrains to development are shown on Map IV A.4.

4. Water Resources

a. Water Supply Watersheds

The nearest water supply intakes are on the Oconee river at Milledgeville to the north of Wilkinson County, and the Oconee River at Dublin to the south of the county. Neither of these affect Wilkinson County.

b. Groundwater Resources

(1) Water Supply

There is an abundance of groundwater throughout Wilkinson County, with numerous streams found throughout the county. Big Sandy Creek, Commissioner Creek, Little Commissioner Creek and Black Creek are the major tributaries of the Oconee River. Natural and man-made lakes dot the county. The largest is Lake Tchukolaho in Ivey, a man-made lake circled by residential development.

Water supply for municipal and industrial usage is from wells drilled into the cretaceous aquifer. The domestic water supply outside of the municipalities is from private wells. The major water use in the county is for the kaolin industry, followed by residential use. Commercial and agricultural practices are minor users of groundwater, with only 306 acres under irrigation in 1990. The kaolin industry withdrew 16.52 mgd of groundwater in 1990, compared to .93 mgd for public (primarily residential) usage. In 1980, the clay industry withdrew 13.14 mgd, with .82 mgd going to public usage.

(2) Recharge Areas

Wilkinson County sits on a Cretaceous aquifer which is a significant groundwater source providing water for that portion of Georgia along and below the Fall Line. There is sufficient quantity of fresh water available from this aquifer. While the county does not depend on a water supply watershed for its drinking water, attention must be given to protecting the water supply for the citizens of the county. Because of the importance of the aquifer, and the need for clean, safe drinking water not only in Wilkinson County but across the state, recharge areas must be protected.

The Criteria for Protection of Groundwater Recharge Areas of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Rules for Environmental Planning Criteria address the protection of recharge areas. Map IV A.5 shows the groundwater recharge areas in Wilkinson County. Because of the size of recharge areas and the fact that they do not conform to jurisdictional boundaries, protection and conservation must be approached on a regional as well as county-wide basis.

(3) Wetlands

Wilkinson County is criss-crossed by numerous streams and creeks, most of which feed into the Oconee River to the east. Throughout the county are wetlands, some as small as one acre or less, others 20 or more acres. The majority of the wetland areas are found along the Oconee River and its primary tributaries of Commissioner Creek, Big Sandy Creek, and Little Commissioner Creek.

Small wetlands of less than five acres can be found throughout the county. Some of these have resulted from kaolin impoundments such as those around the lake in Gordon which was created by Englehard Kaolin. In Ivey, the wetlands are primarily at the northern end of Lake Tchukolaho, moving up Commissioner Creek, but others can be found along Beaver Creek. In Toomsboro, the wetlands follow Commissioner Creek as they do in McIntyre.

Slopes and wetlands map - Insert Here

Recharge areas map- Insert Here

poorly suited soils maps- Insert Here

With few exceptions, these wetlands are of the Palustrine (non-tidal) system and are Scrub Shrub or Forested (with deciduous trees or a combination of these with other growth as well). These areas range from the seasonally wet to the persistent and semi-permanent varieties. Most are naturally formed; however, many have been created either by beaver, man-made dams and dikes, or from mining activities which created small ponds. Very few wetlands in the county are of the Lacustrine system as found at Hodges Lake in the northeastern part of the county.

In the Rules of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Environmental Protection Division, Chapter 391-6-16, regulations for the protection of wetlands are presented. This section, Chapter 391-3-16-.03, is the Criteria for Wetlands Protection and should be used with the Model Local Wetlands Ordinance as a basis for any local ordinance adopted to protect wetlands. Additionally, Section 404 of the Clean Water Act defines rules and procedures for development in wetlands and along rivers. Wetlands are shown on Map IV A.2.

(4) Protected River Corridors

The Oconee River forms the eastern boundary of Wilkinson County, separating it from Baldwin County to the northeast and Washington County to the east, with a small section bordering Johnson County to the east.. Above and below the Wilkinson County portion of the river are found the water supply watersheds for Milledgeville in Baldwin County and Dublin in Laurens County to the south. This river, as the Middle and North Oconee rivers, begins in the foothills of the Appalachians and becomes the Oconee River below Athens. Numerous creeks feed into the Oconee as it flows through Wilkinson County, with wetlands along the majority of the river front. The river converges with the Ocmulgee River below Dublin and forms the Altamaha River, which in turn flows to the Atlantic Ocean at Darien.

As defined in the Criteria for River Corridor Protection from the Department of Natural Resources, a protected river corridor is that land flanking Georgia's protected rivers, or those with "average annual flow of at least 400 cubic feet per second." The Oconee River falls into this category and, therefore, the county needs a River Corridor Protection Plan which establishes a protected buffer along the corridor to protect wildlife habitats along the river as well as ensure continued supply of potable water downstream. The buffer for the Oconee River is a minimum of 100 feet wide, measured horizontally from the uppermost part of the river bank. Because no incorporated place in Wilkinson County is located on the river, only the county is concerned with the creation of a protection plan (see Map IV A.5).

The Existing and Future land use maps illustrate that the river corridor is not now developed nor is there any development projected to occur in that corridor. The predominant land use along the river is an Agriculture/Forestry classification, with small pockets of recreation nearby under the aegis of the Beaverdam Wildlife Management Area. The only local management strategy in place for the Wilkinson County portion of the river is that established by the Department of Natural Resources which oversees the three portions of Beaverdam WMA in Wilkinson County. The three controlled areas afford the river corridor some measure of protection from development since the county has no zoning and no other guidelines exist for controlling development along the river.

river corridor and 100' buffer zone map - insert here

Soil types along the river, the Chewacla-Chastain-Congaree types, are poorly suited for development because of the flood hazards. They are well suited for some forestly practices, and as such, are used in this way along the river in Wilkinson County. These soil types support extensive wetland areas because they are generally poorly drained, are level and have a high probability of flooding. The wetlands along the entire course of the river in Wilkinson County have allowed little development to occur within the 100' buffer zone.

In adherence to the guidelines for a river corridor protection plan as established in the Criteria for River Corridor Protection from DNR, the following are addressed:

1. Effects of Activities on Public Health, Safety, Welfare, and Private Property Rights

The Oconee River provides the water supply watershed for the city of Dublin in Laurens County, downstream from Wilkinson County. Consequently, it is important that all efforts be made to protect the quality of the water from pollutants whether natural or man-made such as agricultural run-off. The county does not currently have a local Erosion and Sedimentation Control Ordinance. Due to the limited activity along the river, and the fact that no urban development exists along the Wilkinson County portion of the river, erosion when it occurs is primarily from natural sources. Land use activities currently are not having a negative effect on the river. If during the 20 year planning period a pattern of development detrimental to the public health, safety and welfare is identified, Wilkinson County will adopt and enforce a local Erosion and Sedimentation Ordinance. In addition, protection of this river corridor will be considered in drafting land development regulations when such regulations are prepared.

The Criteria for River Corridor Protection were created to improve public health, safety and welfare while not infringing on private property rights. The allowed uses within the 100' buffer as established by DNR provide for development while not being so restrictive that no development can occur.

2. Conservation of Flora and Fauna

Although the potential exists for several specie of endangered, rare and threatened flora and fauna, no such habitats have actually been identified in the county. The river corridor does not appear to habe any unique or significant characteristics which would impact on the conservation and movement of flora or fauna. If endangered species are identified within the river corridor, the County will adopt and implement measures according to the DNR regulations to adequately protect those habitats within the corridor.

3. Effect of Activities on the Function of the River and River Corridor

No activities are planned to occur along the river 100' buffer which would impede or otherwise interrupt the flow and quality of the river. Erosion and shoaling have never been identified as a problem within the corridor. The river is navigable only by recreational water craft.

4. Effect of Activities on Fishing or Recreational Use of the River Corridor

The current land uses along the river, recreation and timbering, are not having a negative effect on the fishing and recreational use of the river.

5. Effects of Activities Either Temporary or Permanent, and Length of Time of Impact

There are no temporary nor permanent adverse activities taking place in the Wilkinson County River Corridor.

6. Preservation of Significant State Historical and Archaeological Resources

No historic properties or sites sit along this stretch of the river. No significant archaeological sites have been specifically identified within the 100' buffer zone of the river corridor.

7. Effect of Activities on Immediately Adjacent to Sensitive Natural Areas

Sensitive natural areas adjacent to the corridor include wetlands and floodplains. The county is considering the creation of a comprehensive land development ordinance with zoning regulations for the county. A local erosion and sedimentation plan when adopted will also further protect these areas. Since there is no development occurring nor planned for the buffer area, there will be no adverse impacts on adjacent areas.

As per the Criteria for River Corridor Protection, Wilkinson County shall allow for the construction of single-family dwellings if:

the dwelling complies with all local zoning regulations;

the dwelling must be on a minimum of 2 acres, not including that area which lies within the protected river;

only one dwelling per 2 acre or larger tract;

septic tanks are allowed within the buffer area; septic tank drain fields shall not be located within the buffer area.

Pre-existing industrial and commercial land uses within the buffer area are exempt from the protection criteria if:

these uses will not impair the drinking quality of the river water; and,

the activity of the uses meets all state and federal environmental regulations.

Septic tanks and systems are not allowed within the 100 foot buffer area except with single-family dwellings which are constructed within the buffer zone. Within the river corridors, the construction of road and utility crossings is permitted provided that construction of such crossings meets the local and state regulations including those established by the Erosion and Sedimentation Control Act of 1975.

Hazardous waste or solid waste landfills are prohibited from locating within designated river corridors. Handling areas for the receiving and storage of hazardous waste also are prohibited within designated river corridors. Port facilities are exempt from this criterion for two reasons. First, the facility must meet all federal and state laws and regulations for the handling and transport of hazardous waste. Second, the facility handling the waste must perform their operations on impervious surfaces having spill and leak protection systems as prescribed by the Department of natural resources.

The following are acceptable uses within the protected corridor provided they will not impair the long-term functions of that corridor or its protected river:

timber production and harvesting if the activity is consistent with Georgia Forestry Commission's established best management practices, and will not impair the drinking quality of the water as defined by the Clean Water Act (as amended);

wildlife and fisheries management activities consistent with the purposes of O.C.G.A. 12-2-8;

recreational uses provided those uses are consistent with the maintenance of a natural vegetative buffer or with river-dependent recreation;

natural water quality treatment or purification;

agricultural production and management, if:

a. activity is consistent with best management practices as established by the Georgia Soil and water Conservation Commission

b. activity does not impair the drinking quality of the river water as defined by the Clean Water Act (as amended)

c. activity is consistent with state and federal laws and regulations as promulgated by the Georgia Department of Agriculture

Other uses as permitted by the GA Department of Natural Resources or under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act.

The Wilkinson County Board of Commissioners may exempt certain uses from the requirements of the River Corridor Protection Plan. Other than these exempted activities and those noted previously, all construction within the buffer area is prohibited. The uses which may be exempted are:

land uses existing prior to the promulgation of the plan.

mining activities permitted by GA DNR under the GA Surface Mining Act of 1968 (as amended).

utilities which cannot be located outside the buffer, provided that: the utilities be located as far as reasonably possible from the river bank; installation and maintenance protects the integrity of the buffer area as well as is reasonably possible; and, the utilities do not impair the drinking quality of the river water.

specific forestry and agricultural activities as subject to the conditions discussed above.

The exemptions as stated in the Criteria for River Corridor Protection are especially pertinent to the county because of the dominant role both forestry and mining play in the county's economy. While mining activities are not conducted within the 100' buffer zone, a considerable amount of the land is used for forestry activities. While exempted, those involved with the timber industries should be encouraged to adhere to best management practices and to the erosion and sedimentation regulations on the state and local level to ensure potable drinking water in the water supply watershed intake immediately downstream at Dublin.

The county needs to ensure that the Oconee River continues to provide safe quality drinking water downstream, and to ensure the protection of any potential plant and animal habitats within the river corridor. While some paragraphs of the Criteria are not pertinent, e.g. that concerning port facilities, much of the criteria is important to the county and to the economic base established by the timber industry. The quality of the Oconee River is important to the people and economy of Wilkinson County as well as those in communities downstream. All efforts which can be made should be made to ensure that the river provides quality drinking water, recreational opportunities and habitats for flora and fauna of the corridor into the future.

5. Plant and Animal Habitat

Wilkinson County is heavily forested, providing habitat for a variety of game and nongame wildlife. Songbirds, some species of migratory birds and other waterfowl, dove and quail are present throughout the county. Rabbits, deer, beaver, racoons, opossum, grey squirrels and other species of Georgia wildlife are found in the county. No protected animal habitat areas have been specifically identified to exist in the county. There are no federally held lands in the county nor are there any state parks or non-county operated recreation areas.

There is limited interest in the county for the preservation or protection of these habitats. The Beaverdam Wildlife Management Area provides some protection for any habitats which may be identified in the future. Because of the limited developemnt occurring now or in the future, the plant and animal habitats are not being impacted by incompatible land uses or other activities.

Wilkinson County has a small number of rare, threatened or endangered animal species possibly existing in the county as identified by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division:

SPECIES	STATE STATUS	HABITAT
Bachman's Sparrow	Rare	open pine or oak woods; old fields; brushy areas
American Swallow Tail Kite	Rare	River swamps; marshes
Gopher Tortoise	Threatened	sandhills; longleaf pine-turkey oak woods
Bald Eagle	Endangered	edges of lakes and large rivers
Wood Stork	Endangered	cypress/gum ponds; river swamps; marshes
Redeye Chub	Rare	small streams
Red-Cockaded Woodpecker	Endangered	open pine woods; pine savannas

While the locations of existing habitats in Wilkinson County have not been specifically identified nor mapped, it is evident that one or more rare, endangered or threatened animal specie may exist in the county. Development must be regulated accordingly.

Rare, threatened and endangered plants potentially occurring in Wilkinson County have also been identified by the Wildlife Resources Division of GA DNR. As in the case of the fauna species, specific locations of these plant species, if they exist at all in the county, have not been identified and mapped. They are as follows:

SPECIES	STATE STATUS	HABITAT
Atlantic White Cedar	Rare	seepy margins of clearwater streams in sandhills
Dwarf Witch-Alder	Threatened	openings in low woods; swamps
Indian Olive	Threatened	oak-hickory-pine woods with healthy understory
Sweet Pitcher plant	Endangered	Atlantic White Cedar Swamps; wet meadows
Silky Camellia	Rare	edges of swamps
Pickering Morning-Glory	Threatened	open, dry oak scrub of Fall Line sandhills

6. Scenic Views and Sites

While there are no designated scenic views in Wilkinson County, there are many places which could be viewed as such. Because of the ridges and valleys created by the prehistoric land development, long vistas exist which fit the general description of a scenic view. One particular view is from the northwest corner of the county, off of GA 57, looking down such a valley toward Gordon. No incompatible land uses are occurring now nor planned for the future which would impact scenic views. The preservation and protection of these views is not of interest to the residents.

7. Summary and Policy Implications

Land uses in Wilkinson County and its municipalities are compatible with the soil types found throughout the county. Because the economy depends on the continuation of the mining and forest resources industries, much care should be taken to protect the lands for future development and use. Lands which are not suited for development, primarily along the river and major creeks, should be protected from over-development and encroaching development. The protection and management of these areas will allow for continued recreational uses. The county and the municipalities have the opportunity to thoughtfully plan for and manage their resources through the development of a river corridor protection plan, and a comprehensive land development ordinance with zoning ordinances and sedimentation and erosion plans to prevent damaging development from occurring.

IV. B. HISTORIC RESOURCES

1. Introduction

The protection of historic resources is an important element of any comprehensive plan developed for an area. Historic preservation is an important local government function which should be included when planning for growth and development. In order to plan for the future, the historic development patterns must be fully understood and appreciated.

As an economic development tool, preservation is important for directing growth to established areas, thus keeping in continual use that infrastructure which is already in place and paid for by tax dollars. This saves local governments the expense of new infrastructure costs, and prevents the loss of an area's built heritage. Quality of life issues are important parts of any historic preservation and economic development program, not only for the aesthetic appreciation of our historic resources but also as an incentive for employers to locate in a particular community.

The visible protection of a community's historic resources reflects the way the community views itself. Through the constant upkeep and rehabilitation of structures, property values are kept stable and a tax base remains uniform. Additionally, through sound preservation practices, the heart of a community, whether a downtown business district or a single building, such as a courthouse which represents an area's historic development, can be protected and kept in continued use for future generations.

2. Historic Overview

Wilkinson County was created in May of 1803 through Georgia's Land Lottery Act of 1802. Wilkinson was the 28th county to be formed in Georgia from Indian lands between the Oconee and Ocmulgee rivers ceded in 1802 and the later 1805 cessation. The 1803 lottery, which distributed the lands in Wilkinson and other newly formed counties, was the first land lottery ventured in Georgia. In 1807, Baldwin and other counties to the north were cut from Wilkinson County; then, in 1809, Twiggs County was formed from part of Wilkinson, leaving the county as it is today.

Like all Georgia counties, Wilkinson was divided into Militia Districts, originally for the protection of its residents. These districts were named for prominent men and families who lived in them, or for churches such as Ramah and Bethel. Today, these districts are still official divisions within the county, used as polling boundaries, but are numbered rather than named, even though they are still referred to by their original names.

The county was named in honor of Brigadier General James Wilkinson, first governor of the Louisiana Territory and a soldier who fought in both the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812. During the War of 1812, Wilkinson served in Louisiana and was involved with the fortifications in New Orleans. He was born in Maryland and was trained as a physician. In 1816, Wilkinson published a three-volume tome, Memoirs of my own Times, which chronicled historic events of his time. Wilkinson died in Mexico in 1825 and is buried there.

The Central of Georgia Railroad came to Wilkinson County in the early 1840s, beginning operation in 1843. Rail transport of the county's agricultural products, primarily cotton, to the port of Savannah had a positive effect on the county's economy, supplanting the previous available transportation method of slow steamboat down the Oconee. The county's economy flourished from that point until the 1860s and the War Between the States. During the War, parts of Sherman's army came through Wilkinson County, and along their way, destroyed the rail lines.

Irwinton was designated the county seat in 1811, and incorporated in 1816. It was named after Governor Jared Irwin. It sits between Commissioner's Creek and Big Sandy Creek and was situated thusly to be at the intersection of the road from Savannah to Fort Hawkins and the road from Milledgeville to towns southeast. This was also the route of the Uchee Trading Path leading to Ocmulgee Old Fields near Macon.

Irwinton suffered when the Central of Georgia was built through the county because of a decision made by the residents to not allow the tracks to pass through their town. The courthouse is located in downtown Irwinton. It has burned on four separate occasions, including 1865 when a unit of Sherman's Army burned its way through Wilkinson County. The most recent fire was in the 1920s; the current courthouse was built in 1924.

Gordon was founded along the Central of Georgia railroad route to Savannah and on the historic stage route from Milledgeville to Hawkinsville. It was named to honor William W. Gordon, first president of the Central of Georgia from 1836 until 1842, during the time the Wilkinson County lines were constructed. The first passenger train stopped in Gordon in 1843; the first freight train in 1856. Because of its location on the rail lines, Gordon was the major shipping point for goods grown in counties surrounding Wilkinson County in the mid-nineteenth century, including cotton from Jones and Twiggs counties.

Toomsboro was another stop on the Central of Georgia line. The actual station was originally at the home of Thomas McIntyre, to the east of the present Toomsboro. The town was named to honor prominent Georgia U.S. Senator and Congressman Robert Toombs, but the b in Toombs was inadvertently dropped and the town has remained Toomsboro. Today it is a crossing for the railroad, with an excellent collection of historic structures dating from the turn of the century.

McIntyre was named for the family of Thomas McIntyre, an Irish immigrant who came to Wilkinson county to build the railroad. His widow was named station agent in the 1850s at a stop along the rail lines which later came to be known as McIntyre.

The city of Allentown, in the southwest corner of the county, was not settled because of the railroad route but because of the crossing of the Indian trail and other trails and roads leading through the county. The community which would become Allentown was settled shortly after the founding of the county and during its history has been called by several different names, finally becoming known as Allentown in honor of the Allen family in the 1890s. Rail lines were laid through the community for the Macon Savannah and Dublin (MS&D) Railroad around 1890, and the town was incorporated in 1891.

There are several historic crossroads communities in the county, identified more by their collection of resources than by any particular place name. These crossroads include the area around Cool Springs Church and the vicinity of Nickelsville. Of interesting historic note is the origin of the "Nickelsville" name because it derives from a statement made by a Mr. DuPree who operated a store at the original Nickelsville crossing. When asked one day how business was, he replied that you "can't make a nickel"-- thus Nickelsville!

The War Between the States took a definite toll on Wilkinson County. Not only were many of her sons called to service, but Sherman's troops stopped in the county on their way from Atlanta to Savannah and left destruction in their wake. Many houses and businesses were burned by the federal troops, as was the courthouse. Because of this, few historic resources remain from the times before the War.

Following the War, Wilkinson citizens joined the rest of Georgia in slowly rebuilding their lives and their homes. Rail lines were put down again so that the Central of Georgia could travel through to Savannah. The economy slowly recovered, but without slave labor, agriculture was not the dominant force in its economic rebirth. It wasn't until the last twenty years of the nineteenth century that the county's economy began to stabilize. Then, with the discovery of the kaolin deposits and the opening of the first kaolin plant, dramatic changes were seen in all aspects of life in the county.

Between 1880 and 1930, a great deal of construction went on in Wilkinson County. Most of the historic resources evident today were built during that time. The commercial districts of Gordon, Irwinton, Toomsboro, and McIntyre were built then, as were many of the residential structures still standing today.

The first kaolin company in Wilkinson County was the McIntyre Kaolin Company which opened in 1908 near McIntyre. By 1927 there were at least five major companies and several smaller ones in the county actively mining both kaolin and bauxite. Between 1915 and 1929, Wilkinson County led the state in production of kaolin. In 1927, Wilkinson County alone produced 46 percent of Georgia's kaolin. In 1925 the Georgia White Brick Company opened in Gordon to produce face bricks from the locally mined kaolin. It closed in the 1930s.

Wilkinson County has not changed much since the turn of the twentieth century. A great deal of building went on in the 1950s and 1960s, but the greatest number of housing units were built in the county during the 1970s. From that point, housing construction has steadily declined. However,

historic housing stock remains in use throughout the county and in relatively good condition county-wide. A program of preservation and protection will ensure that this remains the case for the future of Wilkinson County.

3. Identification of Resources

a. Historic Resources Surveys

A survey of the county's historic resources was undertaken in 1975 by a student at the University of Georgia. Unlike most surveys of that time, this particular survey identified both high style properties and the more common vernacular structures which are of no specific style of architecture but incorporate elements of known styles. Very few high style structures, of a nationally or internationally recognized style of architecture, exist in Wilkinson County. This 1975 survey, while not exhaustive, identified 31 significant resources in the county, 14 in Toomsboro, 3 in Irwinton and 8 in Gordon. Of these resources as identified in 1975, 22 were considered as eligible for the National Register of Historic Places individually, and one as a National Register Historic District.

A cursory windshield survey was performed for the purposes of this plan. These historic resources are indicated on MAP IV-B.1 Several resources identified in the 1975 survey have since disappeared, and steps must be taken to ensure others do not follow suit. Because of the 20-year time span since the original survey, resources which were not considered old enough at that time, over 50 years old, have now passed that mark and should be included in any new survey effort. According to the 1990 Census, there are 680 structures in the county which were build in 1949 or before, and of that number 680 were built in 1939 or earlier. While not all of these will be eligible for the National Register, it is important to note the number of 50 year old and older structures still extant in the county.

In neither of the surveys have large numbers of rural tenant houses been identified. This fact may possibly be attributed to the minor part agriculture has played in the local economy during the twentieth century. Another reason there are so few tenant houses may also be because of the practices of both the forestry and mining industries to remove potentially hazardous structures from their properties.

A new comprehensive survey of historic resources is the first step in the protection of these resources. This survey needs to be undertaken in order to locate and identify the remaining resources in the county. Because of the mining and commercial forestry industries in the county, historic resources outside of municipal limits are in constant danger of being lost. Taking these resources into account prior to any development or expansion of either of these two industries will help protect them. The Historic Preservation Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources has an established procedure for surveying historic resources which is being used successfully across the state.

Various mechanisms exist to fund the undertaking of any survey. The Historic Preservation Section administers a survey program which is gathering data on resources throughout the entire state. This state office offers grants on a yearly cycle for the purpose of conducting these surveys. Additionally, the Local Development Fund of the Department of Community Affairs offers local governments funding opportunities twice a year to fund preservation type projects including surveys.

b. Landmark Resources

Due to the size and density of the municipalities of the county, most of the significant in-town resources are grouped, forming potential historic districts. Outside of these incorporated areas, many significant resources have been identified, either in the 1975 survey or the more recent cursory survey done for this plan. Further research is needed to fully identify these resources. Residential and industrial properties were identified in addition to potential rural districts and farmsteads.

Location of Historic Resources- Insert Here

Because of the land use practices of the local mining and forestry industries, historic open space is difficult to define and identify and was not recorded as such.

The historic resources extant in the county primarily reflect the Victorian types and styles in large measure because of the damage inflicted on the pre-1860 buildings of the county during the Civil War. The remaining antebellum structures are "plain" structures, with little or no applied decoration. A significant number of Plantation Plain type structures, from before and after the War, are found throughout the county in large enough numbers to warrant the preparation of a multiple property nomination to the National Register. There are also several extremely significant dog-trots in the county, with open and closed breezeways, which also might be researched for a multiple property nomination.

4. Historic Designation

a. National Register of Historic Places

The National Register of Historic Places is this country's list of buildings, sites, districts, structures and objects which are historically significant and worthy of preservation. The U.S. Department of the Interior is responsible for this list on a national basis; the Historic Preservation Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources is responsible for the list on a state level. The Historic Preservation Division also keeps the Georgia Register of Historic Places, and properties listed in the National Register are automatically listed in the Georgia Register.

Listing in the National Register is official recognition of a resource's significance whether architecturally, historically or archaeologically. It helps to safeguard these resources but does not guarantee their continued preservation without additional local safeguards. National Register listing does not in any way restrict a property owner's rights to the everyday use and disposal of their property. It only requires review of federally funded, licensed or permitted actions planned for any National Register listed or eligible resource. This required review is legislated in Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (as amended) and comes into play with such actions as road building or widening projects.

Financial incentives for preservation are dependent on listing in the National Register of Historic Places. Owners of income-producing properties listed in the Register, whether individually or as a contributing structure in an historic district, are eligible for a federal 20 percent tax credit for rehabilitation to the property. Income producing and personal residential properties listed in the Georgia Register are eligible for a state property tax abatement program.

(1) Current Listings

At present, only one property in Wilkinson County is listed individually in the National Register, the Elam-Camp House in Gordon. This Georgian Revival house was built in 1915 by Civil War veteran William S. Elam, who worked for the Central of Georgia railroad, and was the first brick house built in Gordon. Each brick in the house is stamped with the name of the brick company, McMillian Brick Co. of Milledgeville, firm of the house's architect Robert McMillian. The house arrangement is 4 over 4 rooms with a flat roof and 2 interior chimneys. The windows are 2/2 with concrete sills.

Elam was section foreman of the railroad and had moved to Gordon from Baldwin County. He was born in 1845 and died in 1923 and probably built the house following his retirement from the railroad. He became a prominent citizen in Gordon and was a trustee of the Methodist Church. A street in Gordon was named for him.

(2) Eligible Properties and Districts

Many National Register eligible properties--districts and individual structures--have been identified throughout the county. Districts identified in the county are both in the towns and the rural areas. The rural resources are farmsteads or crossroads communities. Many historic properties can be found in the remnants of the small communities across the county.

Nominations for individual properties, historic districts and multiple properties with similar historic linkages should be prepared for properties in the county. Grants are available to fund the preparation of nominations from the Historic Preservation Division and from the Department of Community Affairs.

There are several potential individual National Register eligible properties in Wilkinson County. As previously stated, Plantation Plain houses and dog-trots constitute a large enough sector of the architectural heritage to warrant multiple property nominations rather that individual listings but are included for informational purposes. A listing of potentially eligible properties would include but not be limited to the following properties shown on Maps IV B.2-5:

	the Brannan farm near Toomsboro, especially the octagonal privy with applied Victorian decoration. This farm is currently vacant and the resources endangered by neglect.
	Stubbs House on GA 112 north of Toomsboro
	a circa 1840 one and one-half story (possibly an enclosed dogtrot) north of the Stubbs property on GA 112
	plantation plain on GA 112 about 3 miles north of Toomsboro
	Hall Plantation on US 441 near Payne Cemetery Rd.
	Dog-trot on Wesley Church Rd. about 1 mile northwest of GA 112 (if no multiple property nomination is prepared)
	the Rutland house- plantation plain ½ mile north of GA 96 on SR 1565
	Plantation Plain or enclosed dog-trot on the Old Macon Rd. near the Twiggs County line
	McIntyre house in McIntyre
	old jail in McIntyre; old jail in Irwinton

In Gordon, three potential historic districts exist on both sides of the railroad tracks:

	the remaining mill houses of the Pynetree Paper Mill along Oak Street to Owens Road and the chimney of the mill behind the houses on Paper Mill Road. The houses are double pen and saddle bag type structures, either of clapboard or board and batten, built around 1910. The chimney is round and of beige brick, and was built at the same time. The mill closed in 1926.
	the commercial buildings and residences on the south side of the tracks, between the tracks and Solomon Road leading past the cemetery and street leading to Englehard Kaolin. The district would include structures such as the train depot and very unusual concrete water tower, now used as a barber shop. Commercial structures along Railroad, Jackson, and Main streets are predominantly brick with three molded/rusticated concrete block structures.
	the residential area north of the tracks. This district would include the historic Methodist and Baptist churches.

In Toomsboro, the majority of structures within the town limits are historic. A historic district nomination would include all structures along the railroad tracks, especially the Clay Hotel and the Swampland Opera House, plus many residential structures leading away from downtown.

A potential district in Irwinton would be the area above downtown on E. Bank St., and would cross U.S. 441 to include the Baptist Church. There are two notable Plantation Plain structures in Irwinton which could be included in a multiple property nomination.

Four possible multiple property nominations have been identified: (1) the very significant collection of Plantation Plain houses; (2) the dog-trot houses of the county, enclosed and open; (3) the rusticated/molded single pen concrete block "courthouses" used as polling places in each militia district, and built before 1950 by prison labor for the county; and (4) historic church buildings.

b. Local Designation of Historic Resources

The Georgia Historic Preservation Act of 1980 established a mechanism by which local governments may legally designate as locally significant historic resources within their jurisdictions and implement procedures by which to protect these resources. The Act enables local governments to adopt historic preservation ordinances, and by adopting and implementing these ordinances, a government may safeguard the integrity of its neighborhoods, commercial areas and historically important industrial resources. Because a preservation ordinance is an appearance ordinance rather than a use ordinance, a government may build on and enhance those qualities which give their community its character and appeal. The Act provides a framework for writing county- or city-wide ordinance, either as overlays to zoning ordinance or separate from zoning ordinances.

A preservation ordinance is a valuable economic development tool in a community. A government may improve the overall quality of life for its citizens by encouraging the continued maintenance of historic structures. This makes an area attractive not only to those living there but to development prospects looking for new homes, or for out-of-towners passing through. Through this continual maintenance, a government may promote its historic resources, thus formulating a tourism program.

Some property owners may consider appearance controls as restrictions of their property rights. However, this limited viewpoint overlooks the greater benefits of this type of ordinance to not only a neighborhood, but an entire town, county and region. A preservation ordinance helps insure that an owner's investments to improve a historic property will not be undermined by the willful neglect of neighboring properties. Any perceived restrictions of property rights is returned to each property owner in the form of assurances that neighbors must abide by the same rules for the betterment of the greater community.

After adoption of a preservation ordinance, a local government appoints a Historic Preservation Commission or Review Board (HPC) to oversee the implementation of the ordinance. The make-up for this HPC is outlined in the Georgia Preservation Act, but basically, local citizens who have an interest in history, architecture, planning or any of several other related fields may serve on the commission. The commission reviews material changes to structures within locally designated historic districts and makes decisions as to the appropriateness of these changes. In order to do this, the HPC follows an established set of design guidelines, prepared specifically for the locality served by the HPC.

With a preservation ordinance in place and an active preservation commission established, a local government becomes eligible to apply for status as a Certified Local Government (CLG) from Georgia's Historic Preservation Division. The CLG program was created by the National Historic Preservation Act which outlined the responsibilities and requirements for a local government participating in the program. Governments which participate as CLGs are eligible to apply for preservation grant money for special purposes from a special grant pool available only to CLGs. This money is awarded through the Historic Preservation Division from their annual federal allocation and may be used for such projects as landscaping in historic districts, the preparation of design guidelines, and the preparation of National Register nominations.

Allentown historic resources - insert here

gordon historic resources map - insert here

irwinton historic resources map - insert here

toomsboro historic resources map - insert here

5. Archaeology

At one time, approximately 100 million years ago, the majority of Wilkinson County was under water, with only the northernmost section of the county being beach area. This geological occurrence resulted in a layer of fossilized marine life which lies atop the kaolin beds throughout the county. In these fossil deposits have been found sharks teeth, whale vertebra and other prehistoric marine life.

In more recent times, 1,500 or so years age, the Creek Indians inhabited the area and crossed the county on trading paths to Ocmulgee Old Fields. Forty two sites have been identified in Wilkinson County, the majority of which are associated with native American habitation. These sites are in the Georgia Archaeological Site File at the University of Georgia.

Archaeological sites are extremely fragile and must be carefully protected. For this reason, exact site locations are not mapped. For further information on the archaeology of the county, contact the Historic Preservation Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.

6. On-Going Preservation Activities

There is no organized county-wide historical society, nor are there societies in the municipalities.

7. Summary and Policy Implications

Wilkinson County has a long and rich heritage and numerous significant historic resources, but only one property listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The historic resources of the county need to be protected before they disappear, and with them the county's past. Without knowledge of how and why the county developed and progressed from its beginnings, future generations will not be able to plan for the future.

Development pressures are not impacting the resources in the county, but the forestry and mining industries are putting the resources in danger. Preservation ordinances in the towns and on a county-wide basis, plus National register nominations would protect these buildings. Additionally, by adopting preservation ordinances, local governments could participate in the Certified Local Government program, making them eligible for grant funds to maintain the historic integrity of their built architectural heritage.