History |
Thomas County was created in 1825 from portions of Decatur and Irwin counties. Georgia's 63rd county, and its county seat, Thomasville, were named for a hero of the War of 1812, General Jett Thomas. In addition to his military career, General Thomas built the first university building in Athens.
Ochlocknee is named for the river flowing through Thomas County. Pavo, Latin for Peacock, was named after the first postmaster in the area.
Thomasville was a popular, turn-of-the-century, winter resort for wealthy northern families. Non-residents still maintain many large estates and hunting preserves. Many of these estates are listed on the National Register of Historic Places including the Susina Plantation Inn, the Lapham-Patterson House, Thomasville Cultural Center, Pebble Hill Plantation and Melhana Plantation. The Lapham-Patterson House is a large, Victorian house, that was built by a survivor of the great fire of Chicago. He designed the house with 45 doors, 26 of which were exterior. Every room had its own fire extinguisher.
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Points of Interest |
Limestone sinks are common in this section which was once part of the ocean floor. A great limestone aquifer in subterranean south Georgia offers a nearly limitless fresh water supply.
Thomasville is home to a "Big Oak," which has a limb spread of about 175 feet. Also, the McKinley Memorial Tree planted in 1896 as a salute to candidate William McKinley, who became the 25th President of the United States, is located in Thomasville.
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