This was once the Hobbs & Company General Store, which, in addition to Bull Durham tobacco, traded in furniture, stoves, and crockery.
Lumpkin Commercial Historic District, National Register of Historic Places
I’ve always found this simple old church at Providence Canyon to be fascinating. According to the historic marker placed by the Historic Chattahoochee Commission and the Stewart County Historical Society in 1980: Providence Church, when first organized, 1832-33, was a log building on the south side of the road. Two acres were donated by David Lowe for a church and school (Providence Academy). This land is now between two of the canyons. The present building was built in 1859, on the north side of the Old Lumpkin-Florence Road. Many Stewart County pioneer families are in the cemetery. Charter members were Goodes, Lowes, Worthingtons, Perkins, Kirkpatricks, Seays, Pitts, Adams, Shermans, and Pattersons.
On my last visit (2013) I was appalled at the horrible condition of the cemetery. This is on state park land (or at least accessible only via the state park road at which an entrance fee is collected) and an absolute mess. It’s one of the oldest cemeteries in this section of the state and deserves better.
Samuel B. Walton (23 June 1815 – 29 March 1875) Matilda E. Walton (28 September 1819 – 7 January 1894)
Headstone of R. C. C. McGinty (b. 1820)
Yelverton Family Plot Penelope Yelverton (1 February 1794 – 25 May 1884?) Moses C. Yelverton (27 January 1822 – 27 May 1887) Wright Yelvington (Company E, 31st Regiment, Georgia Infantry – No Dates) The misspelling on the veteran’s headstone is an error.
Providence Canyon is actually a series of canyons believed to be named for Providence Methodist Church, which still stands near the state park entrance. Also known as the “Little Grand Canyon”, it was formed by erosion in the early 19th century. Pioneer farmers clear cut much of the land and did little to mitigate the effect of rainwater runoff.
The deepest gullies are about 150 feet from rim to floor.
It’s considered one of Georgia’s Seven Natural Wonders and Providence Canyon State Park is one of my favorite places in Georgia.
This amazing sign for the First Pentecostal Episcopal Holiness Church of Deliverance [Upper Sardis Baptist] was removed not long after I photographed it. I hope it was saved and not stolen.
Thanks to the efforts of Chip Jones and everyone at Main Street Richland, this small community exhibits a sense of pride and history that should be an example to all. Cosmetic improvements, as well as an active search for small businesses, have helped Richland make a name for itself at a time when many towns of similar size are deteriorating and being forgotten. And Richland Rum, a small craft distillery, has really put the town on the map. When they were in the planning phases, Chip Jones wrote: Richland Distilleries, a small-batch rum distiller, will open shop this fall downtown. We are hoping that will lead to more businesses and some heritage tourism growth. We are working hard to make sure our community can provide services and goods to all our citizens, especially our seniors and those living below poverty line who can no longer afford gas to shop in Columbus and Albany as their needs require.
Richland Historic District, National Register of Historic Places
Since its beautiful restoration, this historic depot has served as Richland’s City Hall and Rail Museum. Originally known as Union Station, it was primarily associated with the Seaboard Air Line Railroad. It was used by CSX into the 1980s, and briefly the Georgia Southwestern Railroad.
Richland Historic District, National Register of Historic Places
The main tenant in this commercial block is Smith Lodge, No. 85, Free & Accepted Masons.
Richland Historic District, National Register of Historic Places
Thanks to Jimmy Bankston and Chip Jones for the identification.
Richland Historic District, National Register of Historic Places
The largest building in the photograph, the People’s Bank of Richland, is now home to the equally historic Stewart-Webster Journal.
Richland Historic District, National Register of Historic Places
This served as both a hotel and bank. Its restoration in such a small town is a wonderful example of what communities can accomplish when they prioritize their history. Chip Jones should be commended for the great work he has done at Richland Main Street.
Richland Historic District, National Register of Historic Places