Douglas County, the state's 133rd county, was formed in 1870 from parts of Carroll and old Campbell counties. The county was named for Stephen A. Douglas, the Illinois Democrat who lost the 1860 presidential race to Abraham Lincoln. Douglas encompasses 199 square miles and is one of the fifty fastest-growing counties in the United States.
Douglasville, named after the county, was established as the county seat in 1875.
Mississippian Indian ceremonial mounds are located throughout Douglas County, and many Native American artifacts, including pottery, tools, and weapons, have been found there. For many years before it was settled, the area was inhabited by Creek and Cherokee Indians. Douglas County also boasts the beautiful Sweetwater Creek State Park, which offers fishing, boating, and hiking. Several Civil War battle sites are also located in the county.
As the result of its proximity to Atlanta, Douglas County has experienced phenomenal growth. Interstate 20 runs through the county, thus allowing a short commute to Atlanta for many residents who work in the city. From 1980 to 2000 Douglas County's population grew by 69 percent.
West Central Technical College and a branch of Mercer University are located in Douglas County. MCI operates a major switching center there. The largest employers are the Douglas County School System, Inner Harbour Hospitals, Silver Line Building Products Corporation, Wal-Mart, and Wellstar Health Systems. Annual events include A Taste of Douglasville, Hunter Harvest Arts and Crafts Festival, Pioneer Days, Kris Kringle Market and Tour of Homes, and the New Manchester Days.
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