Category Archives: Parrott GA

Cotton Gin & Warehouse, Parrott

Warehouse

Historically, cotton and corn were the principal crops of Terrell County, with peanuts coming later. Oxen and mules were widely used in farming until they were replaced by machinery after World War II. This gin and warehouse complex, just south of Parrott, is one of at least three that served the needs of the community over the years. These old tin buildings might not be much to look at, so to speak, but are nonetheless important to local history. Farming has always been the anchor of the local economy and workforce and places like this represent the business end of farming.

Cotton gin

Parrott Historic District, National Register of Historic Places

Chenube Indian Village Monument, 1936, Parrott

This granite and bronze monument is located just south of Parrott, but you’d be hard-pressed to find it unless you were really looking. The bronze plaque is pockmarked with bullet holes and access is via a very small culvert off a busy highway. I had to pull a few weeds away just to get the photographs.

It was erected by the Stone Castle Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution in 1936, which was 99 years after the date of 1827 given for the existence of the village.

Information on Chenube is scarce, but it is linked permanently with the history of Parrott. According to a genealogy page focused on the Parrott family, “In 1834 James purchased 815 acres of land in what was then Randolph County and was called by the Indian village name Chenube...” An 1887 issue of the Dawson News referred to the community as Chenubia.

The indigenous people of the area were under constant threat by the growing numbers of White settlers taking over their lands. On 27 July 1836, the Battle of Echowaynochaway Creek, the last known engagement between the Creek people and the Randolph County settlers took place nearby. Three White men and eighteen Creek died in the engagement.

Parrott, Georgia

First settled as a Creek village called Chenube in the first half of the 19th century, the post office name was changed to Parrott in 1889, when the present town was incorporated. It’s named for John Lawson Parrott (1838-1920), a prominent landowner in the area who donated the land which became the business district, including the school and churches. From its founding until World War II, Parrott was quite prosperous and once boasted the most millionaires per capita in the state. If you’re in the area, spend an hour or so just walking around town. It’s one of the nicest small towns in Georgia.

Parrott Historic District, National Register of Historic Places

Wedge Building, Parrott

It’s unusual to find structures like this in towns the size of Parrott. They’re more often associated with cities where space is at a premium. This one was likely built to take advantage of the railroad depot, which is located across the street.

Parrott Historic District, National Register of Historic Places

 

Parrott United Methodist Church, 1892, Terrell County

One of Southwest Georgia’s most beautiful and well-maintained historic churches, the congregation of Parrott Methodist was formed after tent meetings by visiting pastors in 1891 sparked an interest in building a permanent church home. Land for the church was donated by Parrott’s namesake, John L. Parrott.

Parrott Historic District, National Register of Historic Places

Parrott Baptist Church, 1920, Terrell County

Parrott Historic District, National Register of Historic Places

Cook Street, Parrott

Parrott Historic District, National Register of Historic Places

 

Seaboard Air Line Railway Depot, Circa 1889, Parrott

Built circa 1889 for the Columbus Southern Railway, this small depot first saw service for Seaboard Air Line in 1890.

Parrott Historic District, National Register of Historic Places

Plantation Plain House, Parrott

This house may have been built in the I-house (Plantation Plain) style then later expanded to a gabled ell, with additional rooms and porches. It’s actually quite eclectic but much likely more comfortable than the traditional style that influenced it. The flat chimneys are interesting, as well.

Parrott Historic District, National Register of Historic Places

Winged-Gable Cottage, Parrott

I included this house because it’s a common vernacular style. The old water tower in the background is a contributing structure to the historic district; I”m not sure if this house is. The is a side view.

Parrott Historic District, National Register of Historic Places