History

The county was named for Colonel Daniel Appling, who was considered Georgia's most outstanding soldier in the War of 1812. The county was created in 1818 from treaty lands obtained from the Creek Indians.

At one time, Appling County was known as the "Turpentine Capital of the World."

Incorporated in 1875, the City of Baxley was named for Wilson Baxley. Baxley was an early settler from coastal North Carolina, who operated a general store in the pre-developed town.

Points of Interest

Lake Mayer and the Altamaha River are available for boating, swimming, and fishing.

The Georgia Power Company's Edwin I. Hatch Nuclear Power Plant is located within the county on the Altamaha River. Completed in 1974, the Hatch Plant makes Georgia Power one of the county's largest employer.

Notable Citizens

Home to the late writer Caroline Miller, the first Georgian to receive the Pulitzer Prize.

Annual Events

Annual events in the county include the week-long Baxley Tree Fest and Ditch Water Jazz Festival in April, the Piney Bluff Festival in November, and Baxley's "Celebration of Lights" Christmas Parade in early December.

Appling County Courthouse, Baxley

Deen's Landing, Altamaha River