Appling, Georgia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Appling, Georgia
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 Appling, Georgia
Location in Georgia (U.S. state)
Appling, Georgia
Location in the United States
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| Country |  United States |
| State |  Georgia |
| County | Columbia |
| Area | |
| • Total | 8.83 sq mi (22.86 km2) |
| • Land | 8.82 sq mi (22.84 km2) |
| • Water | 0.01 sq mi (0.02 km2) |
| Elevation | 394 ft (120 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 658 |
| • Density | 74.61/sq mi (28.81/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP Code |
30802
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| Area codes | 706 & 762 |
| GNIS ID | 2746617 |
Appling is a small, unincorporated community in Columbia County, Georgia, United States. It is also a "census-designated place" (CDP), which means it's an area identified by the census bureau for statistical purposes. Appling is the official county seat of Columbia County.
In 2020, about 658 people lived in Appling. It is considered part of the larger Augusta metropolitan area.
Appling used to be a city. However, in 1993, a new law in Georgia required cities to provide at least three public services, like water or trash collection. Appling couldn't meet this rule. So, on June 1, 1995, it lost its official city status. It was one of 187 cities in Georgia that were no longer active.
Even though Appling is no longer a city, it still holds the title of county seat. This means it's the official center of county government. However, all the main government and court offices for Columbia County are now located in Evans.
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Where is Appling Located?
Appling is found at 33°32′45″N 82°18′57″W / 33.54583°N 82.31583°W. It is located along U.S. Route 221, which is also known as Appling-Harlem Road. A creek called Kiokee Creek also runs through the area.
A Look at Appling's Past
Appling has a rich history. When it first received its town charter in 1816, it was known as Columbia Courthouse. The town was later renamed Appling in honor of Colonel Daniel Appling. He was a brave soldier who fought in the War of 1812 and passed away in 1817.
Early Importance of Appling
In the early 1800s, Appling was a very important place in Columbia County. It was a hub for politics, education, social events, and religion. Two famous schools were located nearby: Carmel Academy and Columbia Institute.
- Carmel Academy: This school was started by Moses Waddel, a well-known educator from the South. Famous students like John C. Calhoun and William H. Crawford attended Carmel Academy.
- Columbia Institute: This school was founded by David Bushnell. He was from Connecticut and invented the first submarine used in wartime. Bushnell moved to the area after serving in the American Revolutionary War.
Railroad Changes and Courthouse History
In the 1830s, the Georgia Railroad was being built. People decided that having a train go through Appling would be too noisy and disturb the court. So, the railway connecting Atlanta to Augusta was built south of Appling instead. This decision changed the town's future.
The courthouse in Appling got a big makeover in 1855. By 1856, the building looked much like it does today. It has a mix of simple, traditional design with influences from Greek Revival and Italianate styles. Even with the updates, parts of the original building from 1809-1812 were kept. Because of its historical importance, the courthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
Challenges and Loss of City Status
Appling faced a major challenge in the 1870s when a tornado almost destroyed it. After the tornado and the American Civil War, Appling never fully regained its earlier importance. Although there was an attempt to make it an active city again in the early 1900s, it remained mostly inactive. As mentioned earlier, Appling officially lost its city charter in 1995.
Appling's Climate
Appling has a humid subtropical climate. This means it has hot, humid summers and mild winters. The hottest temperature ever recorded in Appling was 107°F (42°C) on July 1, 2012. The coldest temperature recorded was -4°F (-20°C) on January 21, 1985.
Who Lives in Appling?
Appling was first recognized as a "census-designated place" (CDP) in the 2020 U.S. Census.
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 658 people living in Appling. These people lived in 311 households, with 145 of those being families. Most residents, about 84%, identified as White (not Hispanic or Latino). About 4.5% identified as Black or African American, and nearly 7% identified as being of mixed races. About 2.7% of the population was Hispanic or Latino.
