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Meriwether County, Georgia

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Article Genealogy
Parent: Warm Springs, Georgia Hop 3
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Meriwether County, Georgia
CountyMeriwether County
StateGeorgia
FoundedDecember 14, 1827
SeatGreenville
Largest cityManchester
Area total sq mi505
Area land sq mi503
Area water sq mi2.0
Area percentage0.4%
Population as of2020
Population total20,613
Population density sq mi41
Time zoneEastern
Named forDavid Meriwether
District3rd

Meriwether County, Georgia. Located in the west-central part of the state, Meriwether County is part of the Atlanta metropolitan area and the Piedmont region. Its county seat is Greenville, while its largest city is Manchester. The county was created by an act of the Georgia General Assembly and named for David Meriwether, a prominent soldier and politician.

History

The lands of present-day Meriwether County were originally inhabited by Muscogee (Creek) peoples, ceded to the state in the 1825 Treaty of Indian Springs. The county was officially established on December 14, 1827, from portions of Troup County and lands acquired from the Creek people. During the American Civil War, the area was a site of agricultural production for the Confederacy and witnessed the 1865 Battle of Brown's Mill near Newnan. In the late 19th century, the arrival of the Atlanta and West Point Railroad spurred growth in towns like Warm Springs, which later gained international fame when Franklin D. Roosevelt established his Little White House there. The county's history is also marked by agricultural development, including significant cotton production before the boll weevil infestation, and later shifts toward peach orchards and poultry farming.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 505 square miles, of which 503 square miles is land and 2.0 square miles is water. It lies within the Piedmont region, characterized by rolling hills and red clay soil. Major waterways include the Flint River, which forms part of the western border, and White Oak Creek. The county is bordered by Coweta County to the north, Spalding County to the northeast, Pike County to the east, Upson County to the southeast, Talbot County to the south, and Harris County to the west. Notable geographic features include Pine Mountain, which runs along the southern edge, and Callaway Gardens, a major resort and garden complex partially located within the county.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States census, the population was 20,613. The racial makeup was approximately 52.5% African American, 42.5% White American, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Asian American, and 1.6% identifying as two or more races. The population density was about 41 people per square mile. The largest communities are Manchester, Greenville, Warm Springs, and Woodbury. Historical population peaks occurred in the early 20th century before declines due to agricultural changes and the Great Migration; the 1910 U.S. Census recorded over 28,000 residents.

Government and infrastructure

Meriwether County operates under a commission-manager form of government, with a five-member elected Board of Commissioners. It is part of the 3rd Congressional District, represented by Drew Ferguson. The county is served by the Meriwether County Sheriff's Office and the Georgia State Patrol. Key infrastructure includes State Route 85, a major north-south corridor, and Interstate 85, which runs along the northern border. Public utilities are managed by the Meriwether County Water Authority, and the county contains portions of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area.

Economy

The economy has historically been based on agriculture, with cotton, tobacco, peaches, and poultry as major products. Manufacturing gained importance in the late 20th century, with facilities operated by companies like Kia and its suppliers in the broader region. Tourism is a significant sector, centered on the Little White House and the Roosevelt Warm Springs Institute for Rehabilitation in Warm Springs, as well as Callaway Gardens and Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park. Other employers include Meriwether County Hospital, Piedmont Newnan Hospital, and distribution centers linked to the Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport logistics network.

Education

Public education is administered by the Meriwether County School District, which operates elementary, middle, and high schools, including Manchester High School. The county is also served by the Greenville Academy and several private institutions. For post-secondary education, residents have access to nearby West Georgia Technical College and Columbus State University. The University of Georgia's College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences maintains an extension office in the county, supporting local farming and 4-H programs.

Notable people

Notable individuals associated with the county include Franklin D. Roosevelt, who spent significant time in Warm Springs; baseball legend Ty Cobb, who was born in nearby Banks County but lived in the county; musician and American Idol winner Fantasia Barrino; Civil Rights Movement activist Julian Bond; and former Major League Baseball player Mickey Mantle, who trained at the Roosevelt Warm Springs Institute. Author Erskine Caldwell, known for works like *Tobacco Road*, also had connections to the area.

Category:Meriwether County, Georgia Category:Georgia (U.S. state) counties Category:1827 establishments in Georgia (U.S. state)