Irwin County

Irwin County is an administrative division in southeastern Georgia with scattered rural communities and farmland throughout its territory. The city of Ocilla serves as the main hub for the region's smaller settlements and agricultural areas.

The county was established in 1818 and named after Governor Jared Irwin following land cessions that opened the area to settlement. During the Civil War, the region remained sympathetic to Unionist causes, setting it apart from much of Georgia.

The county is named after Governor Jared Irwin, reflecting connections to early Georgia leadership. Local residents developed strong ties to the community through generations of settlement and work on the land.

The county is crossed by U.S. Routes 129 and 319, which provide main pathways through the region and connect it to nearby areas. Visitors should expect rural spacing between communities, with longer distances between destinations than in urban settings.

Willis Jackson Bone operated a steam-powered mill near Alapaha River and sheltered escaped slaves in the riverside swamps. This hidden chapter reflects acts of resistance in places most travelers never hear about.

Location: Georgia

Inception: December 15, 1818

Capital city: Ocilla

Shares border with: Ben Hill County, Berrien County, Coffee County, Tift County, Turner County

Website: http://ocillachamber.net

GPS coordinates: 31.60000,-83.27000

Latest update: December 7, 2025 19:31