Philomath, Georgia facts for kids

Philomath is a small community in the southeastern part of Oglethorpe County, Georgia, in the United States. It sits about 646 feet (197 meters) above sea level. This quiet place has a rich history, especially linked to education and important events.

History of Philomath

The area now known as Philomath was first called Woodstock in the 1790s. For a short time, it was the main town, or county seat, for Oglethorpe County. After the county seat moved, fewer people lived there for a while.

Around 1829, people started settling in Woodstock again. They wanted their own post office. The nearest one was a stagecoach stop about four miles away. When their request for a post office was approved, they had to change the town's name. This was because another town in Georgia was already named Woodstock.

A Place of Learning

Philomath became home to a famous all-boys boarding school called Reid Academy. Boys from all over the southern United States came to study there. It was known as one of the best schools of its time.

Important leaders like Robert Toombs and Alexander Stephens often visited the school. They would give speeches to the students and community. Alexander Stephens suggested changing the town's name to Philomath. This name means "a place of learning" or "lover of learning." He thought it was a perfect name because the school was so important to the community. Much of Philomath's early history revolved around Reid Academy.

Eventually, the old school buildings were replaced with a new, one-story building. This building served as a community school for many years. Later, students began traveling to larger schools nearby. The building then became a community center for everyone to use.

Philomath in Pop Culture

Philomath is mentioned in the 1985 song "Cant Get There from Here" by the band R.E.M. The singer, Michael Stipe, sings lines like "If you're needing inspiration, Philomath is where I go by dawn." He also sings, "Philomath they know the low-down." Interestingly, Stipe says he has never actually visited Philomath. The band's album notes describe Philomath as being "located between Lexington and Crawfordville." They also mention that it "used to have its own post office."

Philomath is also mentioned in an essay by writer John McPhee. His essay, "Travels in Georgia," appeared in a book called "Pieces of the Frame." When he wrote it in 1973, Philomath's zip code was 30659.

Historical Buildings and Natural Sites

Philomath and the surrounding area were once home to many large cotton plantations. The oldest of these is known as "The Globe."

A Presbyterian church was built around 1840, and it is still standing today.

The Great Buffalo Lick

On one plantation, there is a special clay pit called the Great Buffalo Lick. Long ago, the Cherokee and Creek peoples used this spot. It served as a boundary when they transferred land to the state of Georgia. This happened during the time of Governor James Wright.

More recently, there was an effort to register the Great Buffalo Lick as a Georgia Natural Area. Many old Native American trails run through this land. William Bartram, a scientist who studied plants, traveled through this area. He was studying the plant life of the region.

The Parting of Soldiers

Philomath was the site where the Confederate government officially broke up. This happened for the forces east of the Mississippi. President Davis and his cabinet decided to separate in Washington, Georgia. They believed it would be safer for him to travel without drawing attention.

His cabinet members met at the home of Captain John J. Daniel. General Breckinridge and General Duke were there. They had been bodyguards to President Davis as he fled from Richmond. At this meeting, they decided that continuing the fight would cause "needless expenditure of blood." The "Stars and Bars" of the Confederacy were "forever furled," meaning the fight was over.

The last meeting of the war leaders took place in the parlor of The Globe. The generals and other officers then had dinner with Captain Daniel. After receiving their small paychecks, the soldiers were given their final addresses from the porch. Then, they left for their homes.