Future Resident
If you're looking to relocate to Early County, you're in the right place!
Below, you will find information on the demographics of the area, county history,
employment information, local schools and colleges, recreational opportunities,
regional attractions and local civic organizations.
Demographics
As of 2005, the population of Early County, which includes the cities and towns
of Blakely, the county seat, Arlington, Damascus, and Jakin, was 12,056. Of
those, 50.28% were white/Caucasian, 48.14% were black/African American, 1.23%
were Hispanic, .20% were Native American, .19% were Asian and .06% were Pacific
Islander.
County Information & History
Early County is one of the oldest in the state. Established on December 15, 1818
from land acquired in a treaty with the Creek Indians, the county was named in
honor of Georgia’s Governor, Peter Early. The county is 516 square miles and is
neighbored by Clay County to the north, Calhoun County to the northeast, Baker
County to the east, Miller County to the southeast, Seminole County to the
south, Houston County, Alabama to the southwest, and Henry County, Alabama to
the west. Early County includes the cities and towns of Blakely, Arlington,
Damascus and Jakin.
Blakely, the county seat, and also considered the “Peanut Capital of the World”
was established in 1825 and named in honor of United States Naval hero, Captain
Johnston Blakeley, who was lost at sea in the War of 1812.
Early County is home to several historical landmarks. The Early County
Courthouse was erected in 1826 on 25 acres of land donated to the county by
Benjamin Collier. This structure served until the present building was
constructed in 1906. It was revamped in 1992-93. The court square is home to the
last remaining wooden Confederate flagpole, which was erected in 1861 from white
pine grown in the county.
Coheelee Creek Bridge, also known as the Bridge at McDonalds Ford, is the
southernmost authentic covered bridge in the United States. The bridge, which is
in the Hilton Community just southwest of the town of Blakely, was constructed
in 1891 by John William Baughman at a total cost of $490.41 for supplies and
labor. It extends 96 feet across Coheelee Creek and was restored in 1984. It is
still in excellent condition.
Three Notch Trail, legend has it, is a route through which Andrew Jackson
traveled on his way from South Carolina to New Orleans after the War of 1812. He
cut three notches on trees as he passed through to mark the trail and enable him
to find his way back. It was also a wagon road for early settlers.
Kolomoki Mounds Historic Park is a very important archaeological site as well as
a scenic and recreational area. The park features seven earthen mounds built
between 250-950 A.D. by the Swift Creek and Weeden Island Indians. The mounds
were used for ceremonial purposes and burial. It is also home to the oldest
Great Temple Mound in Georgia. The park also offers a rare glimpse inside the
mystery as the museum is situated inside an excavated mound, giving the viewer a
cross section view into history.
Employment Information
Early County is an agricultural community with 90% of its land devoted to farming
or timber. The most prevalent crops grown in the county are cotton and peanuts.
In fact, Early County is known as the Peanut Capital of the World. With 33% of it’s
jobs in manufacturing, however, the county qualifies as a manufacturing community
as well.
According to census information, the most common industries for males in this area
are Agriculture/Forestry/Fishing/Hunting (11%), Construction (9%), Paper production
(8%), Public Administration (7%), Educational Services (6%), Accommodation and Food
Service (6%), and Farm Product Raw Material Merchant Wholesalers (5%).
The most common industries for females are as follows: Health Care (19%), Educational
Services (10%), Apparel (10%), Food (9%), Social Assistance (6%), Public Administration
(6%), and Food and Beverage Stores (4%).
Area Schools and Colleges
Early County is home to some of the finest schools in South Georgia. Several have
been named Georgia Schools of Excellence. Whatever your educational needs, Blakely
and Early County are equipped to fulfill them. In Blakely and Early County, "every mind succeeds
Early County Schools
Superintendents Office
503 Columbia Street
Blakely, GA 39823
(229)723-4337
www.early.k12.ga.us
Early County Elementary School
283 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd
Blakely, GA 39823
(229)723-4101
*This school has been named a “Georgia School of Excellence”
Early County Middle School
413 Columbia Street
Blakely, GA 39823
(229)723-5832
*This school has been named a “Georgia School of Excellence”
Early County High School
420 Columbia Street
Blakely, GA 39823
(229)723-5503
www.early.k12.ga.us/ECHS
*This school has been named a “Georgia School of Excellence”
Early County Alternative School
544 Howell Street
Blakely, GA 39823
(229)723-3943
Southwest Georgia Academy
14105 GA Hwy 200
Damascus, GA 39841
(229)725-1888
www.sgawarriors.com
Bainbridge College, Early County Site
40 Harold Regan Blvd
Blakely, GA 39823
(229)724-2100
More Information
Listings on the National Historic Register
Blakely and Early County are home to several listings on the National Historic Register.
These include the Early County Courthouse, Coheelee Creek Covered Bridge, the Kolomoki
Indian Mounds and Museum, and the Echodell 1840 Historic Home. These treasures add
to the culture an rich heritage of the area.
Recreational Opportunities
There is plenty to do in Early County for the active. From hiking, camping, golf,
fishing, swimming, hunting, you name it, we've got it. The nearby river and
lakes provide plenty of "fun in the sun" for water sports fans, with ample
opportunities for boating, fishing, skiing, sailing and swimming. The local recreational
department offers a full slate of planned activities for youth and adults.
- Kolomoki State Historic Park (229)724-2150 or Email:kolomoki@alltel.net
- Chattahoochee River (Public Boat Landings)
- Local Recreational Department (229)723-3197
- 9-Hole Golf Course. Blakely Town & Country Club (229)723-4737
- Birding - over 200 species of birds, with approximately 20 rare, endangered species.
(229)723-3741
Regional Attractions
Early County and the surrounding area boast several regional attractions. These
locations are within an hour of Blakely, which makes them perfect destinations for
day trips.
- Lake Walter F. George/Bagby State Park
- Swamp Gravy Folklife Play
- Seminole State Park
- The Parks at Chehaw
- Providence Canyon
- Westville 1850's Living History Village
- Farley Nuclear Plant Visitors Center
And, two hours away, the pristine beaches of Panama City, FL.
Civic Clubs
Blakely boasts many civic and social clubs. For more information, please contact
the Chamber.
- Lions Club
- Rotary Club
- Early County Historical Society
- Court Square Arts Council
- Court Square Players
- Daughters of the American Revolution
- Blakely Shriners Club
- Masons
- Pilot Club
- Garden Club
- Eastern Star
- Boy Scouts
- Habitat for Humanity
- Arlington Kiwanis Club