Webster County was created from Stewart County on Dec. 16, 1853 by an act of the General Assembly (Ga. Laws 1853, p. 304). [Click here to see the legal description of the county's original boundaries.]

Initially, Georgia's 104th county was named Kinchafoonee County, after the Kinchafoonee Creek that flows through the county. ["Kinchafoonee" was a Creek Indian word that apparently referred to a mortar or bone device for cracking nuts.] However, many residents of the new county thought the name was awkward, undignified, and would invite ridicule from outsiders -- so they asked that the county be renamed. On Feb. 21, 1856, the legislature changed the name of Kinchafoonee County to Webster County (Ga. Laws 1855-56, p. 414). The new name honored the famous U.S. orator and politician, Daniel Webster (1782-1852).

Historical Maps

 

 

1839

 

1855

 

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1885a

 

1885b

 

1895

 

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1952

 

1955

 

1970a

 

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1999

 

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© Carl Vinson Institute of Government, University of Georgia

Go to Historical Atlas of Georgia Counties

Go to Webster County Courthouse page