MERIWETHER - a county in the west part of Georgia, has an area of about 500 square miles. The Flint river forms its east boundary, and it is drained by White Oak, Red Oak, Beech, Cane, and Flat Shoal creeks. The surface is generally undulating. The Pine mountains rise west from the Flint river, and afford much picturesque scenery. Good soil is found, particularly on Flint river. Cotton, Indian corn, wheat, oats, and sweet potatoes are the staples. In 1850 this county produced 12,862 bales of cotton; 594,601 bushels of corn; 98,050 of oats; and 116,791 of sweet potatoes. It contained 21 churches, 360 pupils attending public schools, and 134 attending other schools. Small quantities of gold are found in the north part. This county is remarkable for its medicinal springs, namely, the Warm Springs, Sulphur Springs, Cold Springs, and Chalybeate Springs. The Warm Springs discharge 1400 gallons per minute, at the temperature of 90 degrees. Fine bathing houses have been erected at this place. Flat Shoal creek furnishes valuable water power. Formed in 1827, and named in honor of David Meriwether, formerly a member of Congress from Georgia. Capital, Greenville. Population, 16,476, of whom 8483 were free, and 7993, slaves. page 689

Source: Baldwin, Thomas and J. Thomas, M.D. New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott, Grambo, & Co., 1854

Transcribed by Kristie Setser.