Land lot 340 in land district 8 was settled circa 1814 and established as the first seat of Telfair County. It was presumably chosen for its proximity to the Ocmulgee River and its then-central location in the county. On 25 November 1815 it was named officially named Jacksonville by the Georgia General Assembly for Andrew Jackson, the hero of the Battle of New Orleans and future President. Though other cities, like Jacksonville, Florida, claim to be the first place named for Andrew Jackson, I believe little Jacksonville, Georgia, may hold that distinction. In 1854, with the creation of Coffee County, it was no longer centrally located. A referendum to relocate the courthouse was held in 1856 but the results are unknown. In 1871, McRae became the county seat.
THIS COMMENT IS REPOSTED FROM A DELETED POST: By John Ray
Hi Brian. I just found your site today and have enjoyed going through it. My father’s family is from Jacksonville and I spent many happy vacations down there. My dad was Harry Ray and his parents were Henry Frank & Dorothy Maloy Ray. Their farm is on 117 outside of Jacksonville, directly across from the Clark Cemetery. My uncle and cousin still live and farm there. About a year after I was born my dad got a job in Ohio and that is where I grew up. I unfortunately don’t get down as much as I used to, and every time I go down I am saddened to see more and more disappearing. The picture above was a service station/grocery run by Russell Emory Clark and Doris Hatton Clark. Doris was my grandfather’s cousin. I have very found memories of stopping by their store before we would start our drive back to Ohio, and Doris would always give me an ice cream or a soda pop. Doris died in 2010 at the age of 95. The store had been closed for some time by then. Someone bought it after she died and runs it as a little grocery, but the old R.E. Clark sign is still visible. Anyway, thanks again for your site. I will actually be down there in 2 weeks and this is getting me anxious to do some exploring of my own while I’m down there! -John Ray
PS: I have seen you mention Julian Williams on some posts. He was also a cousin of mine and has done some wonderful history work for the area. Unfortunately he passed away earlier this year. The area is better for him and you.
Thanks, Brian for the great work you do to preserve the past. I grew up in Hulett town where my father Henry McCrimmon ran McCrimmon’s Grocery. The original store burned in 1972. My memories are of our customers who became our friends, dirt roads, cokes, pumping gas, going to syrup makings, Workmore school and attending Friendship Baptist Church and a nearby Penacostal church.
I remember Jacksonville,very well. We FLOYD CONNELL family lived in the Grover Wilkes store area . I went to Uniondale school. I remember riding in the wagon taking corn to the mill up ther to have it grined into GRITS and meal. Them was the good ole days for me. Some of my fammily still live on the old home place next door to Leon Wilkes old place. Thank you for fond menories.
Bessie, thanks for your memories and I’m glad you enjoy these pictures!
My late grandfather, late great Uncle, and my great- grandfather actually started J.E. Dopson & Sons many many years ago. The “little shop” as it was called was a second home to me for many years. Most of my family on my mothers side still live in Jacksonville including my grandmother who is still doing very well.
I was raised in Jacksonville GA and lived there till bout 16 yrs ago. Many Wonderful memories growing up on Dopson Hill.
Beautiful Shots Brian. I go through Jacksonville when I visit my sister in Fitzgerald.
Thanks, Sandra! Got to love this part of the state. My stomping grounds, as well!