Thomas County was created in 1825 from portions of Decatur and Irwin counties. Georgia’s 63rd county, and its county seat, Thomasville, were named for a hero of the War of 1812, General Lee Jett Thomas. In addition to his military career, General Thomas built the first University of Georgia building in Athens.
Thomasville was a popular turn-of-the-century, winter resort for wealthy Northern families. Non-residents still maintain many large estates and hunting preserves. Many of these estates, including the Susina Plantation Inn and the Lapham-Patterson House, are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Bailey White, a National Public Radio essayist and author of Mama Makes Up Her Mind, is from Thomas County.
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