History

Upson County was created from parts of Pike and Crawford counties in 1824. Georgia's 59th county was named for Stephen Upson, a well-known lawyer and legislator of the time.

Until losing its charter in 1995 due to its inactive status, The Rock was the county's third municipality. The Rock is located on a rock, hence the name. It is said that the mail used to be deposited in a secret hole in the rock, and that stage drivers were told to "take the mail to the rock."

Thomaston was named for General Jett Thomas, the leader of the state militia in 1812 and the builder of the state capitol in Milledgeville.

Points of Interest

Upson County is home to the Thundering Springs, which once made a sounds like rolling thunder. The sound ceased after vandals threw rocks into it. The spring, located 20 miles from Thomaston, was once a boiling column of water and sand, but is now only 12 inches in diameter and merely warm. No bottom to the spring has ever been found.

Some other tourist attractions include Auchumpkee Covered Bridge and the Pettigrew-White-Stamps House. The Auchumpkee Covered Bridge was originally built in 1892 and was destroyed by the floods of 1994. The bridge was later rebuilt by Arnold Graton and Son Bridge builders.

"Fairy Stone," a world famous good luck charm, can be found near Thomaston. This is actually the mineral Staurolite which is made of two individual crystals that intersect and form geometric angles.

The Sprewell Bluff State Park, located in Upson County, is an 1,500 acre facility featuring hiking trails, picnic areas, and river access for canoers and kayakers. Other facilities geared toward outdoor activities include the Thunder Scout Reservation and the Gerald I. Lawhorn Canoe Base and Training Center.

Higher Education

Flint River Technical College

Annual Events

The annual Chitlin Hoedown is held in Yatesville around late October. Other local events and celebrations include the Emancipation Day Celebration, Cotton Pickin Fair and the Annual Flint River Fall Festival.

Ritz Theater, Thomaston

Upson County Courthouse, Thomaston