Johnson County, GA

Johnson County, the 129th county formed in Georgia, was created in 1858. Originally part of Emanuel, Laurens and Washington counties, Johnson County was named for Georgia governor, senator, and unsuccessful U.S. vice-presidential candidate, Hershel V. Johnson.

The county seat of Wrightsville was named for James B. Wright, a member of the committee that selected the site for the town. The other community in the county is Kite, named for Shaderick Kight who donated the land for the town. He requested the simpler spelling of his name to facilitate mail delivery.

The Johnson County Courthouse, built in 1895, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is built of masonry in the Romanesque Revival/Colonial Revival style. It was renovated in 1940 by the Works Progress Administration.

The Grice Inn, also listed on the National Register, was built in 1905 by John Grice as a family home and inn. It served as the town's social center for many years.

The Kite Museum, in the former Masonic Lodge (1890), relates the history of the Kite community. Originally the second floor was used by the Masons and the first floor was used as the community center.

Johnson County is the home of Herschel Walker, professional football player and 1982 Heisman trophy winner from The University of Georgia.