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Welcome to Southwest GA
Southwest, Georgia
Southwest Georgia Southwest, GA
Your complete guide to the merchants,
activities & services of
Southwest, Georgia
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Lee County, GA
| County Formed |
June 9, 1825 |
| County Seat |
Leesburg |
| Incorporated Cities |
Leesburg and Smithville
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| Total Area |
355.8 square miles |
| History |
Lee County was one of the original
landlot counties acquired from the Creek Indians in 1826. Georgia's 68th
county, it was named for Richard Henry Lee who had proposed in the Continental
Congress that the colonies declare themselves free and independent. He was
noted for capturing Augusta from the British in 1781, and was the father of
Robert E. Lee. The first county courthouse in Lee
County was in Starkville, but fire destroyed it in 1856. The courthouse in
Leesburg, the present county seat, was also hit by fire in 1872. Smithville is
now the county's only other incorporated municipality. Starkville lost its
charter in 1995 when it was declared an inactive city under a law passed by the
General Assembly
Lee County was
once the site of Kennard's Settlement & Cowpens, a major Creek Indian
center named for Jack and William Kennard, two Lower Creek chiefs friendly to
white settlers.
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| Points of Interest |
Lee County boasts opportunities
for hunters and fishermen. Hunters can find quail, duck, and deer, with quail
being most prevalent. Although public hunting land is limited, hunters can rent
land seasonally on south Georgia plantations. Fishing is also popular along the
Flint River and Kinchafoonee and Muckalee Creeks, which abound with bass,
catfish, and bream. Chehaw Park, a wild animal park
that falls within Lee and Dougherty counties, has camping and picnic facilities
as well as wildlife in simulations of their natural environments. Animals
include elk, bison, zebra, and elephants.
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| Annual Events |
Leesburg hosts the Southern
Heritage Festival during Memorial Day weekend. The festival includes arts and
crafts exhibits, food booths, live entertainment, and a talent contest. The Lee
County Home and Plantation Tour showcases some of the area's most beautiful
places. In October, Smithfield will host the Smithfield Chicken Pie
festival. |
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Cities and Towns In Lee County
(County Seat)
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