Hawkinsville

History

Hawkinsville was founded in 1830, and in 1836, it replaced Hartford as the county seat of Pulaski County. The city was named after Colonel Benjamin Hawkins, a Senator and Delegate to the Continental Congress from North Carolina. After the war ended, he was appointed Indian agent in charge of affairs south of the Ohio River by George Washington. Well before the city's formal establishment, Hawkinsville was a key center for regional trade and travel. It was situated along the Slosheye Trail, a trading route dating back to around 1750 that connected the area to Drayton, Georgia. This trail was used by Native Americans and early European traders throughout the area. The traffic on the trail continued to grow, and it was eventually turned into a road. Its location is marked on what is now Commerce Street in Downtown Hawkinsville. In 1818 General Andrew Jackson is believed to have passed through the city while travelling to Florida during the First Seminole War. The trail is designated by the Andrew Jackson Trail historical marker in the city. Hawkinsville is known as the "Harness Horse Capital of Georgia." Since 1894, the city has hosted harness racing events. Beginning in the 1920s, harness horses have travelled from colder climates to train Hawkinsville due to its Hawkinsville's mild winters. The city holds an annual Harness Festival on the first Saturday in April to celebrate the legacy of harness racing in Hawkinsville.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of , of which is land and (1.57%) is water. Hawkinsville has a humid subtropical climate (Köppen climate classification Cfa), with mild winters and hot, humid summers.

Race & ethnicity

Largest nearby schools

• Pulaski County Elementary School
  Elementary · Hawkinsville · 633 students · 14.4:1 ratio
• Hawkinsville High School
  High · Hawkinsville · 388 students · 16.2:1 ratio
• Pulaski County Middle School
  Middle · Hawkinsville · 309 students · 14.7:1 ratio