Discover Long County, Georgia

A Community Shaped by the River, Railroad, Agriculture, Industry, and Its People

Long County's history is rooted in the land, the Altamaha River, the railroad, agriculture, timber, military service, and the determination of generations of people who have called this community home.

Located in southeast Georgia, Long County began as a rural agricultural community and grew through transportation, industry, and the establishment of Ludowici as a center of commerce and government. Today, the county continues to grow while preserving the landmarks, traditions, and stories that connect the community to its past.

Before Long County: The Altamaha River and Early Settlement

Long before Ludowici existed, the Altamaha River played an important role in the area's development. Forming the southwestern boundary of Long County, the river provided an early transportation route for settlers and the timber industry.

Logs and other products were moved downstream toward the port of Darien, while the area's fertile land and extensive pine forests supported agriculture and forestry. Cotton became an important early crop, and the surrounding forests provided another valuable natural resource.

The Railroad and the Birth of Johnston Station

The arrival of the railroad in the 1840s changed the future of the community. The Atlantic and Gulf Railroad was constructed through the area, connecting Savannah with communities farther west.

Near the plantation of Allen R. Johnston, a stop known as "Four and a Half" was established. A station was eventually built across the tracks from Johnston's home, and the community that developed around it became known as Johnston Station.

The railroad provided reliable transportation for people, crops, timber, and goods and helped transform an isolated agricultural area into a growing community.

The Ludowici Tile Industry

The community's history took a significant turn in the early 1900s with the arrival of the Ludowici-Celadon Roofing Tile Company.

In 1903, the Chicago-based company established a manufacturing plant near Johnston Station. The area offered high-quality ceramic clay, railroad transportation, and a favorable climate. Known as the "Dixie" plant, the operation was directed by German-born businessman William Ludowici.

The plant covered more than 1,100 acres and employed approximately 100 local workers. At its height, thousands of ceramic roofing tiles were produced each day. The distinctive Ludowici tiles became popular throughout Georgia and Florida, and examples can still be found on historic buildings throughout the Southeast.

The tile industry brought jobs, investment, and population growth to the community and became a defining part of early Ludowici's identity.

From Johnston Station to Ludowici

In 1905, the community officially became Ludowici.

As the town prepared to build a new high school, the Ludowici family contributed $1,000 toward the project and provided roofing tile for the building. In recognition of their generosity and contributions to the community, local citizens chose to rename the town after the family.

Ludowici was officially incorporated on August 23, 1905. William Ludowici's influence extended beyond the tile factory, as his support for education and local development helped shape the identity of the growing town.

The Ludowici Well Pavilion

One of Ludowici's most recognizable historic landmarks is the Ludowici Well Pavilion, located in the center of town.

In 1905, Mary McQueen Johnston donated land for an artesian well that provided drinking water to the community. An octagonal pavilion was built over the well and covered with locally produced Ludowici tile.

The pavilion soon became more than a source of water. It served as a gathering place where residents and farmers exchanged news, political candidates spoke to the community, and social events were held. Today, the restored pavilion remains an important landmark and public space in downtown Ludowici.

The End of the Tile Factory

Ludowici's first period of industrial growth was relatively brief. In 1914, the Ludowici-Celadon plant closed and production moved to New Lexington, Ohio.

The closure had a significant economic impact, and the community returned largely to its rural and agricultural roots. During World War I, the town was briefly known as Liberty City before the name Ludowici was eventually restored.

Although the factory was gone, its legacy remained visible in the distinctive tile roofs and historic buildings that continue to reflect Ludowici's industrial heritage.

The Creation of Long County

For much of its early history, the area that became Long County was part of Liberty County. In 1920, local residents supported the creation of a new county.

On August 14, 1920, the Georgia General Assembly proposed a constitutional amendment creating Long County from a portion of Liberty County. Georgia voters approved the amendment on November 2, 1920, officially creating Long County as Georgia's 159th county.

The county was named in honor of Dr. Crawford W. Long, the Georgia physician credited with being the first to use ether as an anesthetic during a surgical operation. Ludowici, already the area's established community, became the county seat.

The Long County Courthouse

Six years after the county was established, Long County completed its courthouse in downtown Ludowici.

Built in 1926, the two-story brick courthouse was designed by architect G. M. Harrington in the Neoclassical Revival style. Today, it remains a center of county government and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The courthouse stands as a lasting reminder of Long County's establishment and the generations of residents who have conducted their civic business there.

Agriculture, Timber, and Transportation

Agriculture remained at the heart of Long County throughout the twentieth century. Cotton was once the area's principal farm crop, while later agriculture expanded to include tobacco, corn, soybeans, and cattle.

At the same time, the county's pine forests became increasingly important to the regional economy. The growth of the timber and paper industries throughout southeast Georgia created employment opportunities and increased the value of forestland.

The railroad continued to play an important role as agricultural and timber products moved throughout the region, although highways eventually became the primary means of transportation and commerce.

Camp Stewart and Fort Stewart

Military history is another important part of Long County's story.

Camp Stewart was established in 1940 as an antiaircraft training facility during the buildup to World War II. Named for Revolutionary War hero General Daniel Stewart, the installation expanded across portions of several counties, including Long County.

During World War II, Camp Stewart became a major military training center and also housed German and Italian prisoners of war. Following the war, the installation was reactivated during the Korean War. In 1956, it received permanent status as a fort and became Fort Stewart.

Today, Fort Stewart occupies a significant portion of northern Long County and remains an important part of the region's economy, workforce, and community identity.

A Community That Continued to Change

As automobiles became more common, highways gradually replaced the railroad as the primary focus of travel and commerce. U.S. Highways 25, 84, and 301 connected Ludowici with surrounding communities and helped shape modern development.

Like many small communities, Ludowici experienced both growth and challenges during the twentieth century. The town became nationally known for its reputation as a speed trap, particularly during the mid-twentieth century when travelers heading to and from Florida passed through the community.

In December 1970, a fire destroyed an entire block of commercial buildings in downtown Ludowici. The block was never completely rebuilt, permanently changing the appearance of the historic business district.

Historic Places That Connect Us to the Past

Today, reminders of Long County's history can be found throughout the community. The Long County Courthouse, Ludowici Well Pavilion, historic railroad depot, older homes featuring Ludowici tile, and historic churches provide tangible connections to earlier generations.

The county's religious heritage is represented by historic congregations and landmarks including Jones Creek Baptist Church, established in 1856, Walthourville Presbyterian Church, Tibet Baptist Church, and St. Thomas Missionary Baptist Church, founded in 1879 by formerly enslaved men and women under the leadership of Rev. March Hughes.

Long County's natural history is also significant. The Franklin Tree Marker commemorates the 1765 discovery of the rare Franklinia alatamaha along the Altamaha River by botanist John Bartram.

Together, these places preserve the stories of the people, industries, faith communities, and natural resources that helped shape Long County.

Our History, Our Future

The history of Long County is ultimately a story about people—families who farmed the land, workers who produced clay tiles, railroad employees who connected the community to the outside world, educators who invested in future generations, military families and civilian workers who became part of the community, business owners who built their livelihoods, and residents who have continued to serve and strengthen their hometown.

From Johnston Station to Ludowici, from a railroad stop to a county seat, and from a small agricultural community to the growing community we know today, Long County's story continues to unfold.

Our history connects us to where we came from—and inspires us to build the future of Long County together.