Irwin County GaArchives History .....History of Irwin County - Chapter 17 1932
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Joy Fisher http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00001.html#0000031 August 10, 2004, 12:09 am

CHAPTER 17.

AGRICULTURE.

   Irwin County as it is today has an area of 378 square miles. The 1930 Census
shows a population of 12,199. It is situated in the center of South Georgia,
fanned by gentle breezes, musical with the song of pines, where peace and
contentment abound and no more favored section can be found. Her wealth lies in
her climate, pure water, a fertile soil capable of the highest state of
cultivation, ideal ranges for stock raising of all kinds and a people or
citizenship than whom no better can be found anywhere.

   The average altitude is over 300 feet, in fact it is of greater altitude than
the City of Macon.

   No malaria is in Irwin County as the water or streams are of such character
that the malaria mosquito cannot hatch or thrive. Hence the only malaria we have
is imported here from other sections.

   Irwin County has less waste lands than almost any county in South Georgia.
The soil is Tifton pebbly soil and Tifton sandy loam and responds well in
producing all crops cultivated.

   One of the money crops raised is flue-cured tobacco. In the year 1914 tobacco
was started to be cultivated in the County. J. B. Clements was one of the first
to plant it. It is a profitable crop producing about 1600 pounds per acre or
around $300 per acre.

   Cotton is another money crop producing well, averaging one bale to two acres,
oftentimes making one bale per acre.

   Ground peas are largely planted as a money crop and to fatten meat for the
family larder as well as hogs to market on foot, which always find a ready
market. They produce well, making upon an average one ton to two acres.

   Watermelons and cantaloupes are another money crop. They grow well, and
ofttimes are very satisfactory in prices, as much as $100 to $500 per acre being
realized.

   Tomatoes and cucumbers are easily grown and when prices are reasonable, good
returns are obtained.

   Other crops grown successfully in the county are sweet potatoes and Irish
potatoes, producing from one to two hundred bushels per acre. Sugar cane grows
well, making 400 gallons syrup per acre.

   Corn, oats, rye, soy beans, velvet beans, rice, vetch, hay and peas are made
upon almost all farms in the county, all of which make wonderful crops if
properly cultivated and are blessed with usual seasons. Many things on account
of our seasons will produce two crops annually. Peaches, pears, plums, figs and
many other fruits thrive in this section.

   It is ideal for raising of livestock, having good ranges, well-watered and
free from the rigors of cold weather. In short it is an ideal county in which to
live and rear a family.


Additional Comments:
From "History of Irwin County" by J. B. Clements (1932)

File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/ga/irwin/history/other/gms142historyo.txt

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