Category Archives: Richland GA

Richland United Methodist Church, 1913, Stewart County

According to the South Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church: This church is thought to have been constituted in 1834. Henry Audulf gave the land for the first church, but there were no recorded deeds so, on May 7, 1845, W. A. Scandrett paid Henry Audulf’s son, John, one hundred dollars for the land. The first building was constructed on half an acre north of Broad Street but it was destroyed by a tornado… The second building was also destroyed by a tornado. Services were conducted in the school building until a church was built north of the present business section. The sanctuary was used until 1912. Under the pastorate of Rev. J. H. Allen, a new lot was purchased on the corner of Phillips Street and Hamilton Avenue and the present sanctuary was constructed. 

Richland Historic District, National Register of Historic Places

Stewart-Webster Hospital, 1950, Richland

The cornerstone of the hospital is dated 1949 but I understand it wasn’t completed and occupied until 1950. It was sponsored by the Richland Lions Club and Dr. J. T. Phillips was the hospital authority chairman. This is just one of numerous rural hospitals that have closed in recent years, leaving many without accessible major medical care. The politics around the issue go back and forth, but when your county loses a hospital, that’s irrelevant. This particular hospital served two counties.

Richland Elementary & High School, Circa 1933

According to Mac Moye, the first school on this site was built in 1888-1889. The second school was built in 1901 and burned in 1931. This structure was built and occupied by 1933. Much of the identification and background on Richland comes from Mac, an excellent local historian who also serves as Stewart County Manager.

Richland Historic District, National Register of Historic Places

French House, Richland

This was the home of Jim French and family for many years. It was likely built in the 1890s or early 1900s.

Richland Historic Places, National Register of Historic Places

Dorman House, 1895, Richland

Richland Historic District, National Register of Historic Places

Dr. J. A. Sims House, 1910, Richland

Dr. Sims was an oral surgeon and Richland mayor from 1906-1908.

Richland Historic District, National Register of Historic Places

Morton House, 1910, Richland

Richland Historic District, National Register of Historic Places

Dixon House, 1900, Richland

This was once the home of Sara Robertson Dixon, author of History of Stewart County, Georgia.

Richland Historic District, National Register of Historic Places

Historic Storefronts, Richland

Thanks to the efforts of Chip Jones and everyone at Main Street Richland, this small community exhibits a sense of pride and history that should be an example to all. Cosmetic improvements, as well as an active search for small businesses, have helped Richland make a name for itself at a time when many towns of similar size are deteriorating and being forgotten. And Richland Rum, a small craft distillery, has really put the town on the map. When they were in the planning phases, Chip Jones wrote: Richland Distilleries, a small-batch rum distiller, will open shop this fall downtown. We are hoping that will lead to more businesses and some heritage tourism growth. We are working hard to make sure our community can provide services and goods to all our citizens, especially our seniors and those living below poverty line who can no longer afford gas to shop in Columbus and Albany as their needs require.

Richland Historic District, National Register of Historic Places

 

Union Station, 1913, Richland

Since its beautiful restoration, this historic depot has served as Richland’s City Hall and Rail Museum. Originally known as Union Station, it was primarily associated with the Seaboard Air Line Railroad. It was used by CSX into the 1980s, and briefly the Georgia Southwestern Railroad.

Richland Historic District, National Register of Historic Places