Bleckley County History

Bleckley County was created by the State Legislature on July 30, 1912, and after ratification in a popular election held October 2 of that year, Pulaski County and Laurens County once contained the area that is currently known as Bleckley County. Bleckley County was the 145th county in Georgia.

This county was named for Justice Logan E. Bleckley of the Georgia Supreme Court. After serving in the Confederate Army during the Civil War, Bleckley resumed his law practice, served as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court from 1875 to 1880 and was named Chief Justice in 1887, a position he held until 1894.

Cochran, the County Seat of Bleckley County, is named for Judge Arthur E. Cochran and was incorporated on March 19, 1869. Once known as Dykesboro, Cochran was settled by B. B. Dykes, who owned the site on which the town is built. The earliest settlers located here to engage in the turpentine industry.

Judge Cochran was largely instrumental in developing this section of Georgia through his work as President of the Macon & Brunswick Railroad, now the Southern Railroad.

Bleckley County possesses some of the most fertile agriculture soils in the South. The land is conducive to all types of row crop farming. The major commodities grown here are cotton, corn, soybeans, peanuts, vegetables, peaches, apples and pecans. In addition to row crops, livestock, such as quality beef cattle and hogs, provide major sources of farming income.

Bleckley boasts one of the best educational school systems in the mid-state area, with over 2300 students system wide. Cochran and Bleckley County is also home to one of the finest two-year colleges in Georgia, Middle Georgia College. Recognized as the oldest two year college in the United States, MGC is one of the original units of the University System of Georgia. The college enjoys a national and international reputation, and the only two-year state supported junior college in Georgia with a football team.

Our town is rich in traditions such as our annual Pumpkin Festival. This day-long event is to celebrate the coming of the fall. Featured at this festival are exciting rides and booths selling such things as artwork, handicrafts, and delicious foods from all over the county. Another attraction is our annual Fall Festival, which is held at our middle school. It features fun games and a scary haunted house.

Recreation in Bleckley County is well suited for the outdoors person. The Ocmulgee Wildlife Management Area, two golf courses, and a city-county recreation area provide plenty to keep even the most person active and involved.

Bleckley County, the 145th county formed in Georgia, was created in 1912 and was originally part of Laurens and Pulaski counties.