Irwinville, Georgia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Irwinville, Georgia
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 Irwinville, Georgia
Location in Georgia (U.S. state)
Irwinville, Georgia
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Georgia |
| County | Irwin |
| Named for | Jared Irwin |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code |
31783
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| Area code(s) | 229 |
Irwinville is a small, unincorporated community in Irwin County, Georgia, United States. An "unincorporated community" means it's a place with a shared identity but no official local government like a city or town.
This community was first established in 1831 as "Irwinsville." It became the main town, or "county seat," for the newly formed Irwin County. The name honored Jared Irwin, who was a governor of Georgia. In 1857, the town was officially incorporated and its name was shortened to Irwinville. Later, in 1907, the county seat was moved from Irwinville to Ocilla.
Irwinville is famous for a key event during the American Civil War. It was here that Jefferson Davis, the President of the Confederacy, was captured while trying to escape Union soldiers. Today, a special monument marks the spot where he was caught. There is also a museum and a park nearby for visitors to learn more.
In the 1930s, Irwinville was part of the WPA projects. These projects helped create jobs and improve areas during the Great Depression. For many years, a water park called Crystal Lake (later Crystal Beach) operated just outside the community until 1998.
Contents
History of Irwinville
Capture of Jefferson Davis
A few months after the end of the American Civil War, Irwinville became the site of a very important event. Confederate President Jefferson Davis was captured here. He was traveling from the Confederate capital in Richmond, Virginia and hoped to sail to safety in England with his family.
On the evening of May 9, 1865, Davis stopped at a hotel in Irwinville. He talked with local people, who did not realize they were speaking with such an important figure. Later, Davis and his family moved to a camp near a creek. In the early morning of May 10, gunfire woke them up. Davis tried to escape, but soldiers from the First Wisconsin and Fourth Michigan Cavalry Regiments captured him. He was then taken to Fortress Monroe, Virginia, where he was held for two years.
Today, a monument marks the exact spot where Davis was captured. This area is now the Jefferson Davis Memorial Historic Site. It includes a museum, places for picnics, and walking trails. Sometimes, people even hold Civil War reenactments near the park.
Irwinville's Role as County Seat
Irwinville was the official county seat of Irwin County for many years. It held this important role from when the county was formed in 1831 until August 17, 1907. During this time, three different courthouses were built in Irwinville.
The first courthouse was built around 1831. It was a story-and-a-half tall building with a shingle roof. Not much else is known about it. In 1854, a new courthouse was built to replace the first one.
In 1883, the third and final courthouse in Irwinville was built. This building had a long design and white siding with a tin roof. It stood near where Moorehead's Country Store is today.
In 1897, there was a request to move the county seat to Fitzgerald, but it was not approved. However, in 1905, Irwin County was divided into several new counties. In the spring of 1907, the county seat officially moved to its current location in Ocilla. Even after the move, the Irwinville courthouse was still used until the new one in Ocilla was finished in 1910.
Jails in Irwinville
Like the courthouses, Irwinville also had three different jails throughout its history. These jails were all built in the same general area as the courthouses.
The first jail was built between 1849 and 1850. It was made of logs. In 1856, this jail caught fire and was destroyed.
The jail was rebuilt in a similar way. In 1890, the county built a third jail in Irwinville. This one was made of brick and had eight steel cells. It cost $3,395 to build at that time.
Community Buildings and Services
The Hotel
The only hotel building still standing in Irwinville was built by Dr. G.E. White in the mid-1800s. This hotel welcomed many travelers. It even hosted Jefferson Davis, the Confederate President, on the night before his capture.
The Bank
Irwinville has had several banks over the years. The first bank operated until the 1920s or 1930s. Its building still exists, and the old safe is still inside. A newer bank also operated in Irwinville until the 2000s.
The Post Office
Irwinville had its own post office for a long time. It stayed open until 2012, though it had not had a postmaster since 2010. The United States Postal Service closed it to save money.
Irwinville Farms Project
Between 1935 and 1939, a special program called the Irwinville Farms Project took place. This project was part of the WPA, which helped people during the Great Depression. Its main goal was to help the Irwinville area recover from the hard economic times.
The project led to the building of a cooperative cotton gin. This gin helped farmers process their cotton together. It also helped create the monument at the Jefferson Davis Memorial Historic Site. The project built a school playground and a health clinic too. It even brought sports to the community, leading to the famous Irwinville Farmers basketball team. The old courthouse was even turned into apartments for farm families.
Images for kids
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Cooperative gin.jpg
Co Operative Gin Under Construction 1938
