Burke County, Georgia
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| Burke County, Georgia | |
|---|---|
| County | Burke County |
| State | Georgia |
| Founded | 1777 |
| Seat | Waynesboro |
| Largest city | Waynesboro |
| Area total sq mi | 835 |
| Area land sq mi | 827 |
| Area water sq mi | 7.7 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population total | 24,596 |
| Population density sq mi | 29.7 |
| Time zone | Eastern |
| District | 12th |
| Named for | Edmund Burke |
Burke County, Georgia. Located in the eastern part of the state along the Savannah River, it is one of Georgia's original counties, created in 1777 from the colonial Parish of St. George. The county seat is Waynesboro, and the area is historically significant for its antebellum plantation agriculture and pivotal role in the American Revolutionary War and American Civil War. Today, its economy is anchored by advanced manufacturing, energy production, and agriculture.
History
The region was originally inhabited by the Yuchi and Creek people. Following the founding of the Province of Georgia, it became part of the expansive Parish of St. George. The county was officially established shortly after the Declaration of Independence and named for the British statesman and supporter of the American colonies, Edmund Burke. During the American Revolutionary War, key events occurred in the area, including skirmishes associated with the Southern theater of the American Revolutionary War. In the antebellum period, it became a center for cotton production reliant on enslaved labor, with numerous large plantations. The American Civil War brought significant disruption, including the March to the Sea led by Union Army General William Tecumseh Sherman. In the 20th century, the construction of Plant Vogtle, a major nuclear power facility, transformed the local economy and infrastructure.
Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 835 square miles, of which 827 square miles is land and 7.7 square miles is water. The primary waterway is the Savannah River, which forms its eastern border with South Carolina. The terrain is generally flat to gently rolling, characteristic of the Upper Coastal Plain. Significant geographical features include the Ogeechee River, which flows along its western edge, and Brier Creek. The county contains parts of the Fort Gordon military installation and is intersected by major transportation routes like Interstate 520 and U.S. Route 25.
Demographics
As of the 2020 United States census, the population was 24,596. The racial makeup was approximately 49.5% African American, 46.8% White American, 1.2% Asian American, and 2.5% identifying as two or more races. Hispanic and Latino Americans of any race comprised about 3.8% of the population. The population density was about 30 people per square mile. Major communities include the county seat of Waynesboro, along with Midville, Girard, Sardis, and Keysville.
Government and infrastructure
Burke County operates under a commission-manager form of government. It is part of the 12th Congressional District, represented in the U.S. House of Representatives by Rick Allen. At the state level, it lies within the 23rd Senate District and the 125th House District. Key infrastructure includes the Burke County Airport and critical energy facilities like the Vogtle Electric Generating Plant. Law enforcement is provided by the Burke County Sheriff's Office, and the county is served by the Georgia Department of Corrections.
Economy
Historically dependent on agriculture, particularly cotton, peanuts, and soybeans, the modern economy is dominated by the Vogtle Electric Generating Plant, operated by Southern Company subsidiary Georgia Power. This facility is a major employer and taxpayer. Other significant economic sectors include manufacturing, with companies like CertainTeed and DS Smith operating locally, and forestry. The Fort Gordon cyber center in adjacent Richmond County also provides employment opportunities for residents.
Education
Public education is administered by the Burke County Public Schools system, which includes Burke County High School. The system has received recognition from the Georgia Department of Education for various academic and athletic programs. Post-secondary opportunities are available through nearby institutions such as Augusta Technical College and Augusta University. The county is also served by the Burke County Library system, part of the Georgia Public Library Service.
Notable people
Notable individuals associated with the county include Milledge Luke Bonham, a Confederate States Army general and Governor of South Carolina; Anthony G. Brown, former Lieutenant Governor of Maryland and current U.S. Representative; James Brown, the "Godfather of Soul," who spent part of his childhood in the area; and George Washington Davis, a U.S. Representative from Pennsylvania. Athlete Jermaine Phillips, who played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, is also from Burke County.