Synopses & Reviews
Published in 1971, Georgia’s Last Frontier presents the history of one of the state’s least developed regions. During the 1830s, Carroll County was a large part of Georgia’s most rugged frontier. James C. Bonner examines how life in this isolated region was complicated by the presence of Native Americans, cattle rustlers, and horse thieves. He details how the discovery of gold in the Villa Rica area resulted in drunkenness and violence, but also laid the foundations of mining technology that were later used in Colorado and California. The region remained isolated until after the Civil War, when a rail line was constructed to stimulate cotton cultivation. With the development of the railway, Carroll County’s frontier traditions waned in the early twentieth century.
Review
“An interesting account of Carroll County and its major town Carrollton. . . . The book is rich in detail concerning the social, religious, and educational development of the people living in Carroll.”—Journal of Southern History
Review
“A native of the area of his subject Dr. Bonner has produced a local history that, while professionally handled, retains the flavor of homegrown history. . . . Students of Georgia will want this work on their shelves.”—American Historical Review
About the Author
James C. Bonner (1904–1984) was professor emeritus of history at Georgia College in Milledgeville. He is the author of numerous books, including A History of Georgia Agriculture, 1732–1860 (Georgia) and Milledgeville: Georgia’s Antebellum Capital.