History and Garden Culture in Brooks County
Brooks County’s cultural heritage comes to life through a variety of places and themes: a museum, historic buildings, a cemetery, and a camellia garden. The story ranges from the architecture of individual homes and educational and social history to named plant varieties. If you enjoy discovering what makes a region distinctive beyond a single landmark, you’ll find several points of interest here—from history and remembrance to gardens and golf.
The Quitman Brooks County Museum is dedicated to preserving the cultural heritage and history of Brooks County. Tours are available by request, so please arrange your visit in advance.
Historic Architecture and Remembrance
The Quitman Historic District encompasses contiguous residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional buildings and properties within the city of Quitman that are architecturally and historically significant.
Cross Roads School was built in 1928 and added to the National Register of Historic Places on July 3, 2025. It is significant for its contributions to education, African American heritage, and social history. Its architectural significance is also specific: the building embodies the design of a Two Teacher Community Rosenwald School as shown in Community School Plans, Pamphlet No. 3 (1924).
The Harris-Ramsey-Norris House offers a different architectural note: it is an outstanding, intact example of a central-hall cottage with a rear addition, dating to around 1870.
Courthouse and Cemetery
Completed in 1859, the Brooks County Courthouse is one of only two courthouses in South Georgia from the Civil War era that are still in operation. Its 2.5-acre campus is in the center of Quitman and is intended for self-guided walking tours; check the visitor arrangements before your visit.
Quitman West End Cemetery was also established in 1859, as Quitman’s first cemetery. It is the final resting place of more than 460 Brooks County residents. Together, the courthouse and cemetery connect the history of public institutions with the remembrance of the county’s residents.
Camellias and Local Events
The Betty Sheffield Memorial Garden features a statue of Betty and numerous camellia varieties developed from the camellias named after her. They include “The Betty Sheffield” and “The Betty Sheffield Supreme.” The camellias are in full bloom in January and February. The garden is one of three locations in Quitman connected to Georgia’s official Camellia Trail.
The Annual Skillet Festival is considered Brooks County’s most significant event. It takes place on the third Saturday in October on the grounds of the Brooks County Courthouse. Check the date for the relevant year before you travel.
Golf and Sporting Clays
Quitman Country Club has an 18-hole golf course with three lakes and two ponds. This describes more than just the number of holes: bodies of water are also among the course’s features.
Southwind Sporting Clays & Quail Hunting Preserve offers sporting clays courses for all experience levels. Check the visitor arrangements before you arrive.
Explore more destinations: Quitman, Dixie, Floyd, Peach County, Tift, Washington County, Baldwin County, Haralson County.
For the broader travel overview: Georgia.
