Upson County, in west central Georgia, was established by an act of the state legislature on December 15, 1824. The Treaty of Indian Springs (1821) between the United States Upson County at a Glance and the Creek Indians gave the government the land that extended from the Ocmulgee River to the Flint River through middle Georgia. Upson County was created from Pike and Crawford counties. Many settlers were drawn to the area by the lottery system used to settle the acquired lands. The state's fifty-ninth county was named in honor of the noted Georgia lawyer Stephen Upson (1784/5-1824) just four months after his death. It is also the birthplace of John B. Gordon, a major general in the Confederate army and a governor of Georgia.
In March 1825 the justices of the inferior court bought land lot 217 in the Tenth District to build the courthouse and the jail. Around this lot grew Thomaston, the county seat. Incorporated June 11, 1825, the town was named for General Jett Thomas, a hero of the War of 1812 (1812-15).
Hightower Grist Mill, Yatesville Hwy West
The Hightower Grist Mill is located on the West side of Tobler Creek on Hwy 74 about 1.5 miles from Yatesville. It was the first grist mill in Upson County using the water power of the Tobler creek to operate, built by James Hightower around 1824. In 1994, much of the original mill was washed away in the flood. Mr. Bill Browning recreated the mill in 2004 after a lengthy research project.
Auchumpkee Covered Bridge, Allen Road
Twelve miles south of Thomaston, the Auchumpkee Covered Bridge is names after the creek it spans. The Bridge was originally built in 1892 by Dr. James Wiley Herring and Warren Jackson Alford at a cost of $1,194.98. In July, 1994 the original bridge was destroyed by floodwaters from tropical storm Alberto. In 1997 the bridge was rebuilt by Arnold M Graton Associates of Ashland, NH. Mules and oxen were used to keep the historical flavor during restoration. Some of the original wood was incorporated into the structure.
Logtown Road Lighthouse
Yatesville peach grower Mr. A.D. Williams wanted to give back to the community and built the 30 foot tower resembling a lighthouse. In the 1930s and 40s Yatesville residents enjoyed annual picnics beneath the structure. Directly across the road, he built a gazebo on a lake made for swimming for the children who worked in the peach orchards. One former long-time Yatesville resident stated that Mr. Williams, on a visit to Holland, fell in love with windmills and lighthouses. On returning to Yatesville, he and Mr. Zack Corley picked up stones in the field and created the lighthouse. At the top, a kerosene lamp would be lit at night. On private property.
Sprewell Bluff
“Jeptha Sprewell, whose name has been recorded as Spruill, Spruill, Sewell, lived on and cultivated the bluff some years before 1850. The famous Sprewell Bluff is named for him. Sprewell was 66 years of age in the 1850 census, born in South Carolina, and a farmer with $600.00 of real estate. His farm was in Land Lot No. 152, 1st Land District. The census taker listed him in the 23rd Land District. A map in the Talbot County office of Judge of Probate, dating around 1900, shows Jeptha Sprewell’s home location in Land Lot No. 152. Sprewell Bluff is in Land Lot No. 152 on the west side of the Flint River. In his will the name Sprewell is spelled “Spruill.” Sprewell Bluff is the heritage from Jeptha Sprewell.
