History of Walton County

In the late 1700's, settlers began locating to the Cherokee Territory of Northeast Georgia. Newcomers found fertile soil watered by the Apalachee, Alcovy and Yellow Rivers and soon began farming the land. The future Walton County was laid out by the Lottery Act of 1818 and organized in 1819. The new county was named "Walton" in honor of George Walton, one of Georgia's signers of the Declaration of Independence.
In 1820, the small hamlet of Spring Place became the county seat. Land was set aside for county buildings & cemeteries and construction began on the courthouse almost immediately. It was completed in 1884 for $27,000. Spring Place was later renamed Monroe in honor of James Monroe, the fifth president of the United States. Soon the infant county boasted a Broad Street, log and frame buildings, stores and a tavern called Major Humphries Assembly Room which was used for public meetings, dancing and other forms of amusement.
Monroe was not visited by Sherman's troops during his infamous march to Savannah, but they did travel through Social Circle, Jersey and surrounding communities. The county grew and prospered during the late nineteeth century, and since the Depression it has thrived.
The Historical Society of Walton County works to preserve Walton's rich heritage, and as residents recognize the progress of past accomplishments, they also embrace growth and prosperity. They continue to creat a unique history while eagerly anticipating expansion for the future.
Historic 1883 Walton County Courthouse
Walton's Seven Governers
Walton County has been the home either through birth or short residence of the following Georgia Chief Executives:

Wilson Lumpkin 1831-1835
Alfred Holt Colquitt     1877-1882
James S. Boynton         1883
Henry D. McDaniel     1883-1886
Clifford Walker    1923-1927
Richard B. Russell, Jr.1931-1933

Two of these illustrious sons, Alfred Holt Colquitt and Richard B. Russell, Jr. went on to become U.S. Senators. Richard B. Hubbard, born on a plantation in Walton County in 1836, later moved to Texas and became governer of that state.
National Register of Historic Places
The Walton Hotel
Richard B. Russell, Jr.

The cornerstone of this beautiful building was laid on February 14, 1883. The building had no lighting and was heated by 12 fireplaces. It was built in the Second Empire Victorian style that was popular during the time. Because it was during the presidency of Ulysses S. Grant it was often referred to as "General Grant Style." It was designed by the architectural firm of Bruce and Morgan of Atlanta and constructed by Mr. James Smith of Sparta.

The original clock tower and dome of the courthouse were destroyed in 1885 by a tornado. The courthouse remained with a flat roof until the current tower was constructed in 1907. In 1910 the four clock faces, the bell and the clock motor were added. The bell and motor were made by the E. Howard Clock Company and the 42" solid bronze bell is one of the largest in the state. The motor was weight driven when originally installed but was eventually replaced with electricity.

In 1933 the Works Progress Adminstration began a $33,000 renovation on the building. Terrazzoo was placed in all downstaris halls except at the back of Grand Hall, which had been closed in for an office in the 1920's. The original balcony was removed and replaced with one with larger seating capacity and offices were built below. Red and black asbestos tiles were installed over all heart pine floors in the courtroom and first floor, and all original courtroom railings, benches and porch rails were removed and Neo Classical replacements were added.

The courthouse was again remodeled in 1969 as well as in 1995. On June 23, 1996 the restored historic courthouse was rededicated and is used today for county offices.
The current tower was added in 1907 after a tornado destroyed the original clock tower and dome.
Bank of Jersey
129 Main Street
Jersey

A.J. Boss House
324 Edwards Street
Monroe

Samual H. Broadnax House
Georgia Highway 81
Walnut Grove

Casulon Plantation
Off Highway 186
East Good Hope

Tom Chick House
1102 East Church Street
Monroe

Davis-Edwards House
238 N. Broad Street
Monroe

East Church Street
Historic District
Monroe

East Marable Street
Historic District
Monroe

William Harris
Family Farmstead
Highway 11 North
Campton

Walter Jones Rock House
Highway 186 NE
Good Hope

McDaniel Street Historic District
S Broad & McDaniel Streets
Monroe

McDaniel-Tichenor House
319 McDaniel Street
Monroe

Monland Place Historic District
Alcova Street & Boulevard
Monroe

Monroe City Hall
227 S Broad Street
Monroe

Monroe Commercial
Historic District
Spring & Broad Streets
Monroe

Monroe-Walton Mills Historic District
S Broad, S Madison & RR Line
Monroe

North Broad Street
Historic District
N Broad & Walton Streets
Monroe

Social Circle Hisoric District
Highways 11 & 29
Social Circle
South Broad Historic District
South Broad Street
Monroe

South Madison Avenue -
Pannell Road Historic District
Monroe

James Berrien Upshaw House
Highway 78
Between

Walton County Courthouse
Courthouse Square
Monroe

Walton County Jail
203 Milledge Avenue
Monroe

Walton Hotel
Broad & Court Streets
Monroe

Williamson House
925 East Church Street
Monroe

Moina Belle Michael was born near Good Hope, Georgia on August 15, 1869.

She received a general education at Braswell Academy in Morgan County and later the Martin Institute in Jefferson, where she graduated in 1885 at the age of fifteen. Miss Michael then became a teacher, educating Georgia's youth in county, town, state and church schools. In conjunction with her teaching she was able to attend the Lucy Cobb Institute and State Normal School, both in Athens. She later studied at the prestigous Columbia University in New York.

Miss Michael was author of the book "The Miracle Flower" and a lifelong advocate of disabled veterans. After reading John McCrae's poem, "In Flanders Fields," she wrote her own poem pledging to "keep the faith" for all who died in the war by wearing a red poppy in their rememberance. She began selling red poppies on Armistice Day, and though she started with only a $10 gift check two days before Armistice in 1918, her vision has grown into a multi-million dollar enterprise operating throughout the English speaking world. General John J. Pershing  personally wrote to Miss Michael, congratulating her on the "splendid patriotic service" she rendered through originating and promulgating the Flanders Field Memorial Poppy.

Miss Michael retired from the University of Georgia in 1938 with the title of Emeritus, ending her 54-year career in education. She died on May 10, 1944 and is buried in the Rest Haven Cemetery in Monroe.
Moina Michael - The Poppy Lady