I really enjoyed this quaint stop on my road trip through Georgia and found some fantastic historical spots that are fun to visit.

3 Ways To Visit The Past in Appling, GA

Explore The Oldest Courthouse in Georgia

Built in 1812 the courthouse in Appling, GA still serves as Columbia County’s county seat and continues to serve as a courthouse.

The courtroom has been beautifully restored, but my favorite part of the visit was stopping at the records vault next door to the courthouse.

Inside the vault I found hand written records that went back to the early 1800s.

My heart may have skipped a beat or two when then said I could actually flip through the books.

I do have this thing for old books so this was a highlight of my visit.

The inventory of an estate, complete with values, was completely fascinating to read.

The handwriting is gorgeous, but takes a few minutes to figure out. “Twenty head of hogs including pigs….45”,

I wonder what 20 heads of hogs including pigs would be worth today.

Oldest Baptist Church in Georgia: Kiokee Baptist Church

The congregation dates back to 1772 in Appling, GA, but during the late 1700’s and the 1800’s buildings came and went.

For most of the 1900’s the church used the same building and it is now on it’s seventh building which was completed in 1995.

If the doors are open go inside and take a little peek around.

These stone steps are ok to use going into the building, it’s feels a little steeper on the way out.

Plus, the first step down is a doozy. Doesn’t look like a big difference, but you’ll want to be paying attention.

Inside of the church from the podium. There is a balcony for additional seating.

Restored Old Jail

Located in Appling, GA right across from the oldest courthouse the old jail currently serves as the meeting place for the historical society.  

I couldn’t find information on tours, but if you contact the historical society you may be able to work out a time to visit. It’s an interesting look at an old time jail.

Contact them through their FB page.

Want to learn more? Visit the Columbia County Visitor Bureau website here.

Pin 3 Ways To Visit The Past In Appling, GA

Don’t get me wrong, every place leaves a mark, but this is one place that I felt I could have spent more time exploring all there is too see and do.

Since returning to a place seldom happens for me I’m going to encourage you to go explore & then hope you’ll tell me stories about your visit.

Top 5 Reasons To Visit Columbia County, GA

Savannah Rapids Park

The park includes the Augusta Canal and the Visitors Center which is actually the historic Gatekeepers Cottage.  

Fantastic place to stroll along the river, take a canal tour, kayak, bird watch, learn a bit of history and just enjoy the outdoors in a very beautiful location.

By the way, the canal is a National Heritage Site which makes it even more interesting, in my opinion.  Located in Martinez.

Lady Antebellum Pavilion at Evans Park

Named after Lady Antebellum since they reign from Columbia County.

The pavilion is a gorgeous place to take in a concert. The park also has a large playground, picnic areas, pavilion and a water feature. 

There is also a dog park which makes me very happy.

If you can’t get to any other event at the pavilion you should try to attend the Banjo & BBQ event held over Memorial weekend. Located in Evans.

HISTORIC VISIT TO APPLING

I’ve share three great reasons to visit Appling, GA over here. Two of those reasons are because it’s home to the oldest courthouse and oldest church.

There is also a nice restored old jail that I like to think could be haunted, but there is no proof of that beyond my active imagination.

TICKLE YOUR FUNNY BONE IN HARLEM

Home to the Laurel and Hardy museum and the most creative car museum I’ve ever stumbled across.

Definitely worth a stop while you are in the area.

GET OUTSIDE AND PLAY!

International Disc Golf Center

For those that love disc golf this is THE place to play!

Wildwood Park

Perfect for camping, hiking, golfing, boating, fishing and more. Voted best campground in Columbia County.

Bartram Trail

Perfect for hiking and biking.

Clarks Hills Lake

Swimming, boating, fishing. The largest man-made lake east of the Mississippi and the lake shares it’s shores with South Carolina (known as J. Strom Thurmond Lake on the SC side).

Reed Creek Wetlands

Stroll along the boardwalk overlooking the wetlands.

Learn more about Columbia County, GA here.

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