Bacon County is located in the southeast corner of Georgia and is bordered by Appling, Pierce, Ware, Brantley, Jeff Davis and Coffee counties. The county is situated on a flat coastal plain with gently rolling hills. The terrain is mostly covered with longleaf pine forests and hardwood bottomlands. There are also numerous swamps, lakes and creeks throughout the county which provide a variety of wildlife habitats.
The majority of Bacon County lies within the Altamaha River Basin which includes the Altamaha River itself as well as its tributaries such as Big Satilla Creek and Little Satilla Creek. The county’s highest point is located near the town of Alma at an elevation of about 300 feet above sea level. Bacon County also has two major lakes: Lake Cheesefield and Lake Alma which are popular for fishing and recreational activities.
Bacon County has a humid subtropical climate with mild winters and hot summers. Average temperatures range from highs in the mid-80s in July to lows in the mid-30s in January. Average annual precipitation ranges from around 50 inches in coastal areas to around 40 inches inland.
Bacon County’s population was estimated at 17,547 people in 2019 with its largest cities being Alma (population 4,735) and Offerman (population 1,108). The county seat is Alma while other notable towns include Oak Park, Deenwood, Needham, Gordonia-Alatamaha State Park, Axson-Shady Dale State Park and Bacon Courthouse Square Historic District.
Country Seat and Other Main Cities of Bacon County, Georgia
The county seat of Bacon County is the city of Alma. Located in the center of the county, Alma is home to a population of 4,735 people and is known for its historic downtown district. The town square houses the historic Bacon County Courthouse as well as several other historic buildings including the Old Bacon County Jail and the Old Post Office. The downtown area also features an array of unique boutiques, restaurants and cafes.
Other notable cities in Bacon County include Offerman, Oak Park, Deenwood, Needham, Gordonia-Alatamaha State Park, Axson-Shady Dale State Park and Bacon Courthouse Square Historic District. See cities in Georgia.
Offerman is a small town located in western Bacon County that has a population of 1,108 people. It was founded in 1891 by German settlers and was named for Robert Offerman who owned much of the land around it at the time. Today Offerman is home to many small businesses including antique stores and an array of local eateries.
Oak Park is located just south of Alma and has a population of 821 people. It was founded in 1891 when two brothers from England bought land near what would become Oak Park and built a sawmill there. The town later served as a stop on the Savannah & Atlantic Railroad line before becoming incorporated in 1906. Today Oak Park is known for its beautiful oak trees that line its streets as well as its annual Fourth Of July celebration which includes fireworks displays over Lake Cheesefield.
Deenwood is located just northwest of Alma with a population of 772 people. It was originally called “Deansville” after Thomas Dean who owned much of the land there but changed its name to Deenwood after Drury Deen who purchased it from Dean’s heirs in 1896. Today Deenwood is home to several small businesses including a bakery, local produce market and an old-fashioned mercantile store that sells everything from furniture to clothes to toys.
History of Bacon County, Georgia
Bacon County was officially established in 1914 from parts of Appling and Pierce Counties. The county was named after Augustus Bacon, a former U.S. Senator from Georgia and the state’s first native-born governor. The county seat is Alma, which was also founded in 1914 when the city of Alma was incorporated.
The area that would become Bacon County has long been inhabited by Native Americans, especially the Creek and Seminole tribes who lived in the area for centuries before it became part of the United States. In the early 1800s, settlers began to move into the area, many of them coming from Virginia and other states to take advantage of the fertile land for farming and ranching.
During the Civil War, Bacon County saw a number of battles between Union and Confederate forces as they fought for control of Georgia’s coast. After Reconstruction ended in 1878, Bacon County continued to grow as more people moved into the area seeking jobs in agriculture or timber production. By 1900 there were over 5,000 people living in Bacon County with many more arriving over the next decade as farming became increasingly mechanized.
Today Bacon County is home to a population of over 11,000 people spread out across its 645 square miles. Agriculture remains an important part of life here with peanuts being one of its main crops along with corn, cotton and hay. Other industries such as timber production have also grown significantly over time providing employment opportunities for local residents. The county has also seen an influx of tourism over recent years due to its rich history and abundance of natural beauty making it a popular destination for visitors from around Georgia and beyond.
Economy of Bacon County, Georgia
Bacon County, Georgia is a rural area located in southeastern Georgia with a population of over 11,000 people. The county has a diverse economy that is largely driven by agriculture, timber production, and tourism.
Agriculture has been an important part of Bacon County’s economy since the early 1800s when settlers began to move into the area and take advantage of the fertile land for farming and ranching. Today peanuts are one of the county’s main crops along with corn, cotton and hay. The agricultural industry is supported by a number of local businesses such as feed stores, farm equipment suppliers, and produce markets.
Timber production is another major industry in Bacon County with several sawmills located in the area providing employment to hundreds of local residents. The timber industry has seen steady growth over recent years as demand for lumber products continues to increase.
Tourism has also become an important part of Bacon County’s economy over recent years due to its rich history and abundance of natural beauty making it a popular destination for visitors from around Georgia and beyond. There are numerous attractions in Bacon County including historical sites, outdoor recreation areas, wineries, and several small businesses including a bakery, local produce market and an old-fashioned mercantile store that sells everything from furniture to clothes to toys.
Overall, Bacon County provides its residents with diverse economic opportunities through its combination of agriculture, timber production, tourism and other industries creating jobs for many people throughout the region. The county is also home to several local organizations such as the Bacon County Chamber of Commerce, which works to promote and support local businesses in the area.