Culture of Evans County, Georgia facts for kids
Evans County, Georgia, is a cool place with a unique culture! It's like a special part of the bigger state of Georgia. People here come from many different backgrounds, including American, English, Irish, German, French, and Italian families. The county has lots of fun traditions, like an annual festival all about rattlesnakes and wildlife, and a big bike ride. When it comes to food, you can find delicious seafood, corn on the cob, and Brunswick stew, plus tasty Mexican and Chinese dishes.
History and outdoor fun are super important in Evans County. Many books have been written about the county's past since it was created in 1914. You can also read stories from people who have lived here. For outdoor activities, kids love school sports, fishing, visiting local parks, and playing golf.
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Who Lives in Evans County?
Evans County is home to many different groups of people. You'll find people who identify as White, Black or African American, Native American, Asian, Pacific Islander, and Hispanic or Latino. Many people born outside the U.S. who live here are from Mexico. Others come from places like the Philippines, Guatemala, Japan, India, Germany, and Indonesia. The most common family backgrounds in Evans County include American, English, Irish, German, Scots-Irish, French, and Italian.
Famous People from Evans County
Evans County has been home to some really interesting and important people!
- Joseph Kennedy was born in Claxton. He was a brave soldier in the United States Army and won the Bronze Star Medal. Later, he became a senator for the area and even led the Georgia State Senate.
- Albert Parker and Ira S. Womble, Sr. made Claxton and Evans County famous with their companies, The Claxton Bakery and The Georgia Fruitcake Company.
- Cartha Deke DeLoach grew up in Evans County. He joined the FBI and worked closely with J. Edgar Hoover.
- Dr. Curtis Gordon Hames did amazing research on heart disease right here in the county.
- Charles Gordon Edwards from Daisy and William Washington Larsen from Hagan both became representatives for the United States.
- James Kicklighter from Bellville is known for his work in entertainment around the world.
The Story of Evans County
Evans County was officially created on November 3, 1914. This was just a short time after World War I began. The state of Georgia decided to create the county from parts of Bulloch and Tattnall counties. Voters in Georgia approved the idea, and that's how Evans County came to be!
Many important things have happened in the county's history:
- In 1940, Josie Mae Rogers became sheriff. She was the first woman elected sheriff in Evans County and in all of Georgia!
- Also in 1940, Fort Stewart was created. This meant about 1,500 people had to move from their homes.
- In 1958, Dr. Curtis Gordon Hames started his important study on heart health, which was supported by the National Institute of Health.
- On December 28, 1994, a special monument was put up to honor Evans County's veterans.
- On June 3, 2008, county leaders decided to make August 11 "Evans County Day." Since then, people celebrate the county's birthday every year!
Cool Buildings in Evans County
Many buildings and homes in Evans County are so special that they are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means they are protected because of their history.
In Claxton, you can find:
- The Dr. James W. Daniel House
- The Evans County Courthouse
- The Mitchell J. Green Plantation
In Hagan, there is the George W. DeLoach House. At Camp Oliver, you can see the Glissom, Remer, Store. Other interesting spots include the Daisy Post Office and the old train depot in Bellville.
Evans County also has many "antebellum" houses. This means they were built before the American Civil War and before the county was even formed! Many of these homes were built in a style called "Plantation Plain." Some examples are the A.D. Eason House, the Thomas A. Durrence House, and the Edwards-Strickland House.
Fun Traditions and Events
Evans County has a famous annual rattlesnake roundup! It started in 1968 and happens every year on the second weekend of March. It's grown so much that it moved to a bigger spot just outside Claxton in 2001. Now, it's called The Claxton Rattlesnake and Wildlife Festival.
Another popular event is the Cruisin' in the Country Bike Ride. It began in 1995 as a holiday ride. The next year, it moved to November and became even bigger, with a 65-mile route. Now, it's a full century ride, which means riders go 100 miles!
Other fun events include:
- The Martin Luther King Day parade every January.
- "Christmas in Claxton" on the first Saturday of December, with crafts, food, and a "Parade of Lights."
- The Richey Arena hosts exciting barrel racing and other activities.
- A fun tractor pull happens on the first Saturday of each month at the Longneedle Farm.
- An annual "Chicken Pickin'" festival has been held every September since 2010.
Tasty Food in Evans County
Evans County has lots of delicious food! You can enjoy fresh seafood, sweet corn on the cob, and comforting chicken and dumplings. Other favorites include Brunswick stew, crispy fried chicken, and warm cornbread.
The county is also known for its yummy pecans, juicy peaches, and crunchy peanuts. Because many different cultures live here, you'll also find great Mexican and Chinese restaurants that people love to visit.
Books About Evans County
Many books have been written about the history of Evans County and its towns. Some books share personal stories from people who grew up here.
Books about the county's history include:
- A History of Our Locale: Mainly Evans County Georgia by Lucille Hodges (1965)
- A History of Evans County, Georgia by Dottie Simmons (1999)
- Evans County and the Creation of Fort Stewart, Georgia by Pharris DeLoach Johnson (2001)
If you're interested in old houses, Pharris DeLoach Johnson's Houses of Heart Pine: A Survey of the Antebellum Architecture of Evans County, Georgia is a great read.
People have also written memoirs about their lives in Evans County:
- The Good Lord Knew What He Was Doing When He Made "A Country Boy" by Aubrey Strickland
- Flatwoods and Lighterknots: A Cultural Visit to the Coastal Plains of Georgia by James Elders (2006)
News and Radio
The Claxton Enterprise is a weekly newspaper that serves Evans County. It started way back in 1912! It's a great way to keep up with local news.
Two radio stations also serve the area:
- WCLA (1470 AM) plays Gospel music and Oldies songs. It also shares local news and weather updates.
- WAWS (107.3 FM) plays contemporary Christian music.
Sports and Outdoor Fun
Evans County offers many ways to stay active and have fun outdoors!
- You can cheer on the sports teams at Claxton High School and Pinewood Christian Academy.
- The Evans County Public Fishing Area in Claxton is a great spot. It has three lakes where you can fish, plus places to camp and picnic. There's even an outdoor classroom!
- Parks are perfect for playing and relaxing. In Claxton, you'll find Bacon Ford Park and the Senior Citizens Park. In Hagan, there's the Maggie Mae Lewis Children's Park and Bradley Memorial Park.
- If you like golf, check out the Evans Heights Golf Club. It was designed in 1970 and has a long course of 6,514 yards.
