You are here

Home » Cities & Counties » Decatur County

Decatur County

Website: 
http://www.decaturcountyga.org
Profile
Incorporated Date: 
December 8, 1823
Population: 
28,823
Total Area: 
596.8 sq mi
Contact Information
P.O. Box 726
Bainbridge, GA 39818
Phone Number: 
(229) 248-3030
Fax Number: 
(229) 246-2062

Decatur County, created in 1823 from portions of Early County, takes its name from Commodore Stephen Decatur who defeated Barbary Coast pirates at Tripoli in 1815. Bainbridge, the county seat, is named for Commodore William Bainbridge, commander of the U.S. Constitution, "Old Ironsides." In 1540 Hernando de Soto crossed this region during his trek through Georgia. He found the Flint River a barrier which was eventually crossed by a hastily built ferry.