Bryan was one of five counties created by an act of the General Assembly approved on Dec. 19, 1793 [and in terms of order listed in the act was Georgia's 19th county]. Created from portions of Chatham County, it was named for Jonathan Bryan (1708-1788). Born in South Carolina, Bryan had close ties to Georgia from the arrival of the first colonists in 1733. He became noted for his support of colonists' rights in Georgia, and during the Revolution Bryan was captured and imprisoned by the British.

In 1794, a portion of Effingham County was transferred to Bryan County. A portion of Bryan County was used to create Bulloch County in 1796. Also, a portion of Bryan County was transferred to Chatham County in 1847.

Historical Maps

 

1822

 

1823

 

1830

 

1834

 

1839

 

1846

 

1855

 

1863

 

1864

 

1865

 

1874

 

1883

 

1885a

 

1885b

 

1895

 

1899

 

1904

 

1910

 

1915

 

1952

 

1955

 

1970a

 

1970b

 

1999

 

2001a

 

2001b

© Carl Vinson Institute of Government, University of Georgia

Go to Historical Atlas of Georgia Counties

Go to Bryan County Courthouse page