Troup County, Georgia

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I-185 (GA)

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Troup County, Georgia is a county located in the west central part of the U.S. state of Georgia. As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 69,922. The county seat is LaGrange, which is also the largest city in the county. Troup County is part of the LaGrange, GA Micropolitan Statistical Area, which is also included in the Atlanta-Athens-Clarke County-Sandy Springs, GA Combined Statistical Area.

History

Troup County was established on June 9, 1826, and named after George Troup, a former governor of Georgia and a U.S. senator. The county was created from lands ceded by the Creek people in the 1825 Treaty of Indian Springs. The area's early economy was largely based on agriculture, with cotton being the dominant crop, facilitated by the labor of enslaved African Americans.

During the American Civil War, Troup County was a significant site for the Confederacy, providing soldiers, supplies, and a site for a Confederate hospital. The county's economy suffered greatly in the aftermath of the war, but it eventually recovered, transitioning from agriculture to a more diversified economy with the growth of textile mills in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 446 square miles, of which 414 square miles is land and 32 square miles (7.2%) is water. Troup County is bordered by Coweta County to the northeast, Meriwether County to the east, Harris County to the south, and the state of Alabama to the west. The county features several significant bodies of water, including West Point Lake, which is a reservoir formed by the damming of the Chattahoochee River and serves as a popular recreational area.

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, Troup County had a population of 69,922. The racial makeup of the county was diverse, with a significant percentage of African American residents. The economy of Troup County is supported by a mix of manufacturing, services, and retail sectors, with several major employers being based in the area, including the Kia Motors manufacturing plant in West Point.

Government and Politics

Troup County operates under a commission-manager form of government, with a board of commissioners elected from single-member districts. The county has a history of political engagement, with voter turnout being relatively high in state and national elections. Politically, the county has tended to lean towards the Republican Party in recent decades, reflecting a broader trend in the state of Georgia.

Education

The Troup County School System serves the educational needs of the county's children and young adults. The system includes several elementary, middle, and high schools, as well as a career center that offers vocational training. Higher education is represented by LaGrange College, a private, four-year liberal arts and sciences college located in the county seat.

Culture and Recreation

Troup County is home to a rich cultural heritage, with numerous historical sites, museums, and annual events that celebrate the county's history and community spirit. The LaGrange Art Museum and the Troup County Archives and Legacy Museum on Main are notable cultural institutions. Recreational opportunities abound, particularly with the presence of West Point Lake, which offers fishing, boating, and camping.