History

Ware County was created in 1824 from a part of the original landlot county of Appling. Georgia's 60th county is named for Nicholas Ware, who served as mayor of Augusta and a U.S. Senator.

The county seat, and only municipality in the county, is Waycross, an employment and commercial center for the region. Originally known as Tebeauville, the city's current name derives from its location at a key railroad junction. Lines from six directions meet at the city.

Points of Interest

Ware County is the largest county, in area, in Georgia. Waycross is often referred to as the largest city, in the largest county, in the largest state east of the Mississippi.

Laura S. Walker State Park, located near Waycross, is one of the few state parks in Georgia named for a woman. She was a Georgia writer, teacher, civic leader and naturalist who worked diligently to preserve the trees and habitats around her.

Higher Education

Waycross College

Annual Events

There are over 25 special events in the county including the Okefenokee Swamp Fling, Pogofest and the Paul Azinger Golf Classic.

Train Depot, Waycross

Okefenokee Swamp Park