An eight-year-old boy watched Sherman’s troops pass through Emanuel County in 1864, not yet understanding how much his world was about to change. Decades later, that once-enslaved boy, Benjamin Bennett, would build a school on his Bulloch County farm, creating educational opportunities for generations of local children.

A lifelong pursuit of family history has unearthed the complex realities faced by enslaved ancestors. This week, hear the story of Thomas Hodges Sr., who was born into slavery in 1808, and his descendants.

Bulloch County Commissioners are making local government more approachable with a new, informal meeting format that saw a significant boost in public participation. The initial session in Portal drew a full house, signaling a successful shift towards direct dialogue with constituents.

Citizens attending a Bulloch County “town hall” meeting at Willow Hill this week told their concerns to the elected county commissioners and their top departmental staff members. Some of the discussion topics included roads, parks, and data centers.

Rising from the bonds of slavery, the Donaldson and Parrish families of Bulloch County played pivotal roles in the establishment of churches and the founding of the Willow Hill School.

The story begins with Harriet Riggs, who was sold on the courthouse steps in 1847. Through future generations, she would go on to profoundly impact the lives of African Americans and the county’s educational, religious, and civic history.