Jefferson History

Jefferson, Georgia has a long history, but in many ways it is beginning a new leg of history as she is experiencing rapid growth and soon will be experiencing exponential growth.

Jefferson is in Jackson County that was formed in 1796. Jackson County was originally a very large county but lost territory first to Clark County and later more land to Madison County, Gwinnett County, and other surrounding counties.

Jefferson was built on an old Indian village, Thomocoggan, which was located at four springs and a plentiful water supply from Curry Creek. The city was named Jefferson in 1804 after the then current U.S. President, Thomas Jefferson.

Crawford W. Long

Jefferson remained an agricultural community for most of its history but had some outstanding moments. One such moment was when local physician, Crawford W. Long, used sulfuric ether to perform otherwise painful medical procedures. At the time some locals believed Dr. Long was practicing witchcraft. Long would not receive the proper recognition for his discovery during his lifetime, but is now recognized worldwide for his gift to medical science. To learn more about Crawford W. Long visit the museum dedicated to him in downtown Jefferson: www.crawfordlong.org

Throughout the 19th Century Jefferson grew up around the rail lines that had been established by Athen’s first mayor Henry Beusse. Beusse’s insight into the best paths provided for healthy growth for over 100 years. In the 1960s Jefferson was blessed again when highway 85 passed through the area creating opportunities that had yet to be imagined.

Today Jefferson is at the beginning of her next phase of growth and her next step in history. A community that was once far from Atlanta now is a promising suburb of the metro area offering piece and quiet, and a healthy quality of life for those seeking something substantial.