Category Archives: –CALHOUN COUNTY GA–

Calhoun County Courthouse, 1930, Morgan

The town of Morgan came into being as a compromise. Soon after Calhoun County’s creation in 1854, a debate arose as to whether the town of Whitney or Concord would become the county seat. The compromise was to lay out a town between the two for the purpose of conducting the business of the courts. There’s also a debate as to the origin of the name. Some contend it honors Hiram Morgan, one of the first commissioners; while others feel it was Revolutionary War general Daniel Morgan. It was incorporated in 1856. An attempt to move the county seat from Morgan to Arlington passed a public vote in 1923 and Arlington served that capacity until 1929, when another vote removed the seat to Morgan, at which time plans to build this courthouse were made.

The present Calhoun County courthouse was designed in the Colonial Revival style by T. F. Lockwood, Jr., son of one of the busiest architects in Georgia in the early 20th century and an accomplished architect himself. He designed several courthouses, numerous churches and landmark private residences still standing today.

 

Courthouse Square Storefronts, Morgan

School Street

Two streets around the courthouse retain early commercial architecture.

Dickey Street

Lion’s Den Restaurant, Morgan

I don’t think this is still open, but I liked the colors and the sign.

Old Methodist Church, 1888, Morgan

The old Methodist church is presently home to Iglesia Metodista El Buen Samaritano [Good Samaritan Methodist Church]. I’m glad to see this continued use of the church. I hope its architectural integrity is preserved.

An earlier church building was originally located at the nearby cemetery site. This property was purchased in 1888 and the present church constructed at that time. It was turned southward from its original orientation in 1950.

The church has been nicely remodeled since I made this photograph.

Hammack House, Circa 1890, Morgan

Berta Wooten Monument, Morgan

This moving tribute to Berta C. Daniel Wooten (4 December 1880-31 March 1914) can be found in the historic Morgan Methodist Church Cemetery.

Wes Haun writes: This monument is close to one for her son put there by her husband, Mr James Wooten. In 1921 he was lost at sea on the USS Conestoga which was located in March, 2016. After 95 years missing, all 56 souls were recognized at appropriate ceremonies. The one in Morgan was Saturday July 16. My grand daddy was Mr Jim’s friend and is buried in this cemetery.

Dickey Presbyterian Church, 1871, Calhoun County

This congregation dates to 1849, beginning in a location a mile south and then known as the Pachitla Presbyterian Church. For a time, the area was known as Whitney, and the church name was changed to Whitney Presbyterian. The name was changed to Dickey Presbyterian in 1913, for Thomas Edward Dickey, who had donated the land for the present building. Located on a beautiful dirt road and surrounded by family who have owned the adjacent farm for over 150 years, Dickey Presbyterian is worth visiting. Though no longer active, the church and grounds are well maintained and watched over by family members.

General Store No. 2, Dickey

This is next door to the gas station pictured in the previous post. It’s hard to imagine Dickey was ever large enough to support two stores. I think it’s nice that the owners have painted and kept these buildings in good shape.

General Store, Dickey

This was probably an old gas station/general store. The pumps are long gone.

Kemph House, 1854, Calhoun County

This historic log house, which likely originated as a dogtrot, is an amazing survivor, dating to the year of Calhoun County’s formation.  It’s part of a large plantation between Dawson and Morgan and though it’s obviously been renovated it’s a great example of a pioneer structure in antebellum Southwest Georgia.