Terrell County, Georgia

US 82

Georgia 32

Georgia 41

Georgia 45

Georgia 49

Georgia 50

Terrell County, Georgia is a county located in the southwestern part of the U.S. state of Georgia. As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 9,315, making it one of the less populous counties in Georgia. The county seat is Dawson, which is also the largest city within the county. Terrell County is part of the Albany, GA Metropolitan Statistical Area.

History

Terrell County was created on February 16, 1856, from portions of Randolph and Lee counties. It was named in honor of Dr. William Terrell of Sparta, Georgia, who served in both the Georgia House of Representatives and the Georgia Senate, as well as in the United States House of Representatives. The county has a rich history, with significant events and figures contributing to both the state of Georgia and the broader United States, particularly during the Civil War and the Civil Rights Movement.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 338 square miles, of which 335 square miles is land and 3.2 square miles (0.9%) is water. The county is characterized by its rural landscape, agricultural fields, and scenic beauty. It is part of the Gulf Coastal Plain, which gives it a flat to gently rolling terrain.

Adjacent counties

• Lee County (north)
• Dougherty County (east)
• Calhoun County (southeast)
• Randolph County (south)
• Webster County (southwest)
• Sumter County (west)

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, Terrell County had a population of 9,315. The racial makeup of the county was predominantly African American, with significant White and Hispanic or Latino minorities. The economy of Terrell County is primarily based on agriculture, including crops such as cotton, peanuts, and corn, as well as poultry farming.

Government and politics

Terrell County is governed by a Board of Commissioners, which consists of elected officials representing the county's districts. The county has a history of political engagement in both state and national politics, reflecting the broader trends and shifts in the political landscape of the southern United States.

Education

The Terrell County School District serves the educational needs of the county's children and young adults. The district includes elementary, middle, and high schools, providing a range of educational programs and extracurricular activities to support student development and achievement.

Culture and recreation

Terrell County offers a variety of cultural and recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike. These include historical sites, parks, and community events that celebrate the county's heritage and community spirit. The annual Terrell County Peanut Festival, for example, is a popular event that highlights the county's agricultural roots and community ties.

Transportation

Major highways that run through Terrell County include Georgia State Route 32, Georgia State Route 45, and Georgia State Route 520, providing connectivity to neighboring counties and cities. The county's transportation infrastructure supports both its economic activities and the mobility of its residents.