The first inhabitants of Treutlen County were the Creek Indians, who left the land in the 1770s and 80s. Revolutionary War veterans came to the region following the war’s end and quickly began acquiring land through a lottery system and set up farms with livestock. Eventually the residents turned to the lush pine forests for its raw materials of yellow pine and turpentine. Agriculture immediately became in industry of choice.
Treutlen County was named for Georgia’s 1st State Governor following adoption of the state Constitution of 1777, Governor John A. Treutlen. Another governor with ties to the community lies in Troup’s Tomb at Rosemont Plantation near the Lothair community. Governor M. George Troup, the state’s 1st governor elected via the popular vote (during his second term) returned home to neighboring Laurens County after leaving the state house. While visiting Rosemont Plantation, Governor Troup fell ill and died. Troup’s Tomb remains a stop on many historians route, and it remains a popular stop for the regional history buffs.
Home of the Million Pines – Local farmer, James Fowler, was one of the first to plant pine trees as a crop and thus came his aptly named Million Pines Plantation. Working with a Savannah scientist, Fowler’s pine trees were used to create the first printed newsprint from yellow pine. The local weekly, The Soperton News, was first printed in 1933. A copy of the first edition can be found today in the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, DC. And hence the founding of the annual Million Pines Festival, held annually the first weekend in November since 1972.
The county seat, Soperton, is named for businessman Benjamin Franklin Soper (1856-1907). Soper founded the Southern Railway Mine and Milling Company and was instrumental in construction of the railroad. The Treutlen County Courthouse (1919), located in Soperton, was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in September of 1980. Its neoclassical architecture continues to bring visitors as it is remains the center of county business today.
Treutlen County has become an excellent bedroom community of the neighboring micropolitan areas of Toombs and Laurens counties. While all the major necessities are in the community, within a quick half hour drive you can find an urban supply of endless shopping pleasure. Economic Development is encouraged in our community as we know that is a key factor in maintaining our heritage and creating new history, but in a greener, more environmentally impactful way. As Treutlen County is part of the Heart of Georgia Altamaha RDC, this year’s stakeholder report emphasizes the motto “Green with Greener Days Ahead”. We recognize that statement and embrace it as our own.
Just a bit off the beaten path, although boasting four access ways to Interstate 16, our cost of living is considerably less than the state average. Most recently reported, 26% less than the state average. With home sites slightly larger and more single home opportunities, those wishing to cultivate their own space could easily find their home sweet home amongst our pines and pastures.
Did you know?
Treutlen County, the 152nd county formed in Georgia, was created in 1917 from parts of Emanuel and Montgomery counties, territory that had been settled as early as 1784. The county was named for John Adam Treutlen who, after serving in the Provincial Congress of 1775, became the state’s first governor, although the Crown regarded him only as a rebel governor.
