Page 31 - Thomson-McDuffie NCG 2019

History

T

The more McDuffie County’s history unfolds, the richer it becomes.
From the early Native American tribes to the short-lived 19th century gold
rush, discover the strong ancestry and unique stories that make McDuffie
County the thriving community it is today.

1767 1800  Blind Willie McTell
Governor James Wright By this time, Wrightsborough is Music Festival
grants 12,000 acres of virtually deserted. Threatened by Indian
land to Quakers from hostilities, the American Revolution, For over 25 years, music fans
Pennsylvania and North and the expansion of slavery, families have made a spring pilgrimage
Carolina. The land was relocated to the Midwest or assimilated
intended as a buffer into surrounding areas. to Thomson to honor one of
between the nearest city, 1854 America’s most influential
Augusta, and land occupied musicians and celebrate roots
by Native Americans. Thomson is incorporated. music. William Samuel McTier
1870 was born in Thomson in 1901.
1770 McDuffie County is formed from Despite being blind from an early
Wrightsborough parts of Warren and Columbia age, Willie learned to play a
is formally counties. The county was named
established by for George McDuffie, a native 12-string guitar. During the 1920s
Quakers and named Georgian and a notable lawyer, and 1930s, Willie traveled playing
for Governor Wright. statesman, governor, and U.S. music inspired by Southern
senator. Thomson is named
county seat. blues, gospel, ragtime, hillbilly,
and popular music of the time.
1854
1773 Dearing is incorporated. His most famous composition
Creek, Cherokee, Shawnee 1952 is “Statesboro Blues,” which was
and Uchee Native American later recorded by The Allman
tribes cede 2 million acres to Clarks Hill Lake is created by Brothers Band and Taj Mahal.
European settlers. The land now the Corps of Engineers’ J.
Strom Thurmond Dam on the
makes up McDuffie, Columbia, Savannah River. Willie was inducted to the
Elbert, Green, Warren, Wilkes Blues Hall of Fame in 1981, and in
and other counties. 1993 1983 Bob Dylan paid homage to
1st Blind Willie McTell him with the song “Blind
1800 Blues Festival is held.
Gold is discovered along Willie McTell.”
the Little River and is one Though most of his accolades
of the first industries in the 1997 came after his 1959 death, the
area. However, cotton is the Augusta Technical influence of Blind Willie lives
wealth-producer in the area College opens on through the annual Blind
during this century. Thomson campus. Will McTell Music Festival. The

festival showcases Americana,
Cajun, Country, Funk, Soul, and
of course the Blues. Come pay
tribute to Blind Wille and the
amazing culture of the Southeast
To discover more about McDuffie County’s by listening to great music,
rich history, visit the Thomson-McDuffie browsing the booths of local
Museum in downtown Thomson. vendors, and savoring classic
Southern food.
Thomson-McDuffie Museum
121 Main Street Visit blindwillie.com for more
Thomson, GA 30824 information on Blind Willie and
(706) 595-9923  the festival. 

Thomson-McDuffie Newcomers Guide • Thomson-McDuffie Chamber of Commerce • www.thomsonmcduffiechamber.com • (706) 597-1000 29