Brooks: History, Camellias and Golf

The Quitman Brooks County Museum is dedicated to preserving the cultural heritage and history of Brooks County. For an architectural perspective on Quitman, visit the Quitman Historic District: within the city, it encompasses a contiguous area of architecturally and historically significant residential, commercial, industrial and institutional buildings and properties. In this way, the county’s cultural heritage and a historically significant urban area come together in different ways. Museum tours are available on request; advance contact is required.

History and Architecture in Quitman

Cross Roads School brings together architectural history, education and African American heritage. Built in 1928, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places on July 3, 2025. It is considered significant in the areas of education, African American heritage and social history. Its architecture embodies the design of a Two Teacher Community Rosenwald School, as illustrated in Community School Plans, Pamphlet No. 3 (1924). The Harris-Ramsey-Norris House offers a different architectural accent: it is considered an excellent and intact example of a cottage built around 1870, with a central hall and rear ell. While these two architectural features stand out in the cottage, the school is defined by the named Rosenwald school plan.

The Brooks County Courthouse was completed in 1859 and is one of two courthouses in South Georgia from the Civil War era that are still in operation. The courthouse campus covers 2.5 acres in the center of Quitman; the suggested tour is self-guided and on foot. Check visiting conditions in advance. The 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. The courthouse and cemetery represent two different aspects of local history: a courthouse that remains in operation and a place of final rest.

Camellias and Seasonal Highlights

At the Betty Sheffield Memorial Garden, a statue of Betty and numerous camellia cultivars complement one another. Cultivars developed from Betty Sheffield’s namesake camellias include “The Betty Sheffield” and “The Betty Sheffield Supreme.” The garden is one of three locations in Quitman listed on Georgia’s official Camellia Trail. The blooming season is a useful guide for planning a visit: the camellias are in full bloom in January and February. If you are particularly interested in garden culture, you can plan your visit for these months.

Festival and Active Recreation

The Annual Skillet Festival is considered the most significant event in Brooks County. It takes place on the third Saturday in October on the grounds of the Brooks County Courthouse. Check the specific date for your travel year if you would like to plan your trip around it. Golf is another listed recreational option: the Quitman Country Club has an 18-hole golf course with three lakes and two ponds. Southwind Sporting Clays & Quail Hunting Preserve offers sporting clays courses for all experience levels; check visiting arrangements in advance. These options offer different focal points for planning your trip: an annual event on a specified date, golf on an 18-hole course or sporting clays for a range of experience levels.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Quitman, Dixie, Cobb, Barrow County, Richmond, Burke County, Murray County, Peach County.

For the main travel overview: Georgia.