Over the past 247 years, Liberty County has seen many changes, both big and small, ranging from the dedication of St. John’s Parish as our county seat to establishing Camp Stewart, which would later become Fort Stewart, the largest military installation east of the Mississippi River. May is recognized as National Historic Preservation Month, which means it is time for us to share our local history!
National Historic Sites in Liberty County
Take a leisurely drive through just about any part of our community, and you’ll spot several historic markers. These markers provide bite-sized information about the land or buildings they represent. Once a year, the Liberty County Convention & Visitors Bureau (LCCVB) visits as many of these markers as they can to give them a nice scrub and make them look as good as new. Keep reading below to see some of the amazing historic sites we have. Be sure to visit the National Register of Historic Places for the complete list of Liberty County historic sites.
St. Catherines Island
This island is one of the many jewels of the area and also has a deep-rooted history. It was the location of the first church established in America, and served as the location for the home of James Oglethorpe who founded the Georgia colony. Today its interior is closed off to visitors, but its beaches are open to the public; all you need is a boat.
The Old Liberty County Jail
In the late 1800s Liberty County erected its first brick jail which remained active until 1970 when a regional correctional facility was built. There are still residents who remember when the facility was open, and they can tell you stories about the happenings. For a closer look, you can visit and tour by contacting the Hinesville Downtown Development Authority at 912.877.4332.
Fort Morris
Ingrained in the hearts of every American are the words: “Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” Our community was the first to declare independence from Great Britain, and as a result of our resilience we were named Liberty County. What you may not realize, however, is the integral part Liberty County played in the Revolutionary War. Col. John McIntosh and 200 brave patriots stood their ground and were successful in fending off the first wave of British invaders. Visit Fort Morris today, and take in the beautiful scenery of the Medway River as you learn more about the critical role it played in the late 1700s.
Dorchester Academy Boys Dormitory During the Reconstruction Period following the Civil War, several initiatives were created to support and elevate formerly enslaved individuals. Dorchester Academy was a place where African Americans learned how to read, write and calculate basic forms of math. The educational institution remained active for many years until the 1940s, when it became a place for political change. Civil Rights activists, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., visited the former academy. For the entire history of the academy and to plan a visit, give them a call at 912.442.0018 Bacon Fraser House
This historic home was built in 1839 and is one of the oldest remaining houses in Hinesville. For almost 200 years, this property has stood the test of time by not only surviving General Sherman’s march to the sea, but it also served as the home for six generations of the Bacon Fraser family. Currently the Liberty County Chamber of Commerce and LCCVB office are housed here with a mission to preserve the property for future generations. If you would like a tour, then be sure to give us a call at 912.368.4445. We’d love to show you around.
We are #LibertyCountyProud of our history and the progression of our community over the years. We take pride in ensuring the preservation of our historic sites, as well as sharing our deep and rich history. For more ways to #ExploreLiberty, visit our website libertycounty.org.