Stephens County Historical Timeline
Discover the History of Stephens County, Georgia…
- August 18, 1905- Stephens County was established from parts of Habersham County and parts of Franklin County, and was named in honor of Alexander Stephens. Alexander Stephens was a U.S. Representative, Vice President of the Confederate States of America, and the fifty-third governor of Georgia.
- 1907-1908- The first courthouse was erected. It is now on the National Register of Historic Places.
- 1910- Population: 9,728
- 1920- Population: 11,215
- 1930- Population: 11,740
- 1937- Growth in Toccoa-Stephens County during the late 1930’s included the purchase of Capps Cotton Mill by J&P Coats Co. J&P Coats Co. remained in the community for almost 70 years.
- 1938- The Toccoa Airport was established.
- March 23, 1938- Stephens County received national attention when Presiden Franklin D. Roosevelt made an informal speech in Toccoa, from his “Special Train.” This was the same day he delivered his famous “Brother’s Keeper” speech in Gainesville, Georgia.
- 1940- Population: 12,972
- 1950- Population: 16,647
- 1960- Population: 18,391
- 1965- The Stephens County Development Authority (SCDA) was established.
- 1970- Population: 20,331
- November 6, 1977- The Kelly Barnes Dam collapsed due to a time of heavy rainfall. The flood caused 39 deaths and $2.8 million in damages when the contents of the lake flooded the campus of Toccoa Falls Institute.
- 1976- Toccoa was named an All-American City
- 1977- The Toccoa Symphony Orchestra was founded by Pinkie Craft Ware and Archie Sharretts.
- 1980- Population: 21,763
- 1990- Population: 23,257
- 1901- The Wells Viaduct was constructed over the North Broad River near Toccoa.
- 1992- A monument to the Confederate Soldiers of the Civil War was erected in Toccoa, Georgia.
- 2000- Population: 25,435, The second courthouse was built in Stephens County.
- 2010- Population: 26,175
- March 30, 2010- St. Martin’s Press nationally released the novel, Fireworks Over Toccoa, by Jeffrey Stepakoff . There was a day-long celebration of the novel that included fireworks over Boyd Field that evening.
More information coming soon, be sure to subscribe and follow for updates, and to get information about upcoming local events, local businesses, places to visit, and more. Visit negalifestyle.com to plan your next adventure today.
- Obtaining a Mortgage Pre-Approval: How to Get Out Front in the Buying Process
- 11 Benefits of Hiring a Listing Agent: Home Selling Made Easy
- Habersham County Historical Timeline
- White County Historical Timeline
- Stephens County Historical Timeline
- The Value of Your Home: CMA
- Northeast Georgia Hiking Trails
- Must See Museums and Art Centers in Stephens County, Georgia
- Must See Museums and Art Galleries in Habersham County, Georgia
- Stephens County Schools
- Must See Museums, Art Galleries and Historical Sites in Rabun County, Georgia
- Must See Museums, Galleries, and Art Centers in White County, Georgia
- Habersham County Schools
- White County Schools
- White County Breweries, Tasting Rooms, Vineyards and Wineries
