County
Profile
Incorporated: August 14, 1920
Population: 14,629
Total Area: 444.4 Square miles
Cities and Towns
• Nahunta (County Seat)
• Atkinson
• Hickox
• Hoboken
• Hortense
• Lulaton
• Trudie
• WaynesvilleThe county was formed in 1920 from Charlton,
Pierce, and Wayne counties and was named for Benjamin D.
Brantley, a member of a prominent local family, although some
historians claim the name honored State Senator William Goodman
Brantley of Brunswick.
Since the Okefenokee Swamp is to the south and west of the
county, passage through Brantley County was essential to the
railroads running from the coast through the southern part of
the state.
Fort McIntosh was built in the early years of the
Revolutionary War to protect the extensive herds of cattle. It
was placed under siege from Tories in 1777 and eventually
surrendered.
Fort Mudge was built in the county at about the same time. This
fort was immortalized by Walt Kelly in the "Pogo" comic strip.
Nahunta sounds as if it has an Indian name, but in fact the name
is a colloquialism derived from railroad maps and a sign, "N.A.
Hunter Siding."
The 35,789-acre Dixon Memorial State Forest, shared by Brantley
and Ware counties, is administered by the Georgia Forestry
Commission.
Brantley County residents also have access to the Harrington
Tract Wildlife Management Area (shared with Glynn County) and
the Rayonier Wildlife Management Area (shared with Wayne
County).
The scenic Satilla River winds its way through Brantley County,
providing opportunities for boating, fishing and camping.
The Bluegrass Festival is held in the Spring and the Fall of
each year. Other special events include the Hoboken Trojan Fest
and the Christmas festivities held the first Saturday in
December. |