Walton County

 In the late 1700's, settlers began locating to the Creek Territory of Northeast Georgia. Newcomers found fertile soil watered by the Apalachee, Alcovy and Yellow Rivers and soon began farming the land. The future Walton County was laid out by the Lottery Act of 1818 and organized in 1819. The new county was named "Walton" in honor of George Walton, one of Georgia's signers of the Declaration of Independence.

Walton's first County Seat was known as Easley's Cowpens (current community of Pannell), named for Rodrick Easley's settlement in Creek Indian territory.  In 1821, there was increasing talk to move the county seat to the center of the county, and the small village 3 miles north of Easley's Cowpens began to be called "Walton Court House," despite the fact that there was no such structure located there...yet.  Land was set aside for county buildings & cemeteries and construction began on the courthouse almost immediately. It was completed in 1823. "Walton Court House"  was renamed "Monroe" shortly after becoming the county seat,   in honor of James Monroe, the fifth president of the United States. Soon the infant county boasted a Broad Street (formerly known as Rogue Road), log and frame buildings, stores and a tavern called Major Humphries Assembly Room which was used for public meetings, dancing and other forms of amusement.

The court house which now stands in the center of town was Walton's third courthouse, constructed from 1883-1884  for $24,000 (see below).

Monroe was not visited by Sherman's troops during his infamous march to Savannah, but they did travel through Social Circle, Jersey and surrounding communities. The county grew and prospered during the late nineteenth century, and since the Depression it has thrived.

The Historical Society of Walton County works to preserve Walton's rich heritage, and as residents recognize the progress of past accomplishments, they also embrace growth and prosperity. They continue to create a unique history while eagerly anticipating expansion for the future.

Moina Belle Michael was born near Good Hope, Georgia on August 15, 1869  She received a general education at Braswell Academy in Morgan County and later the Martin Institute in Jefferson, where she graduated in 1885 at the age of fifteen. 

Miss Michael then became a teacher, educating Georgia's youth in county, town, state and church schools. In conjunction with her teaching she was able to attend the Lucy Cobb Institute and State Normal School, both in Athens. She later studied at the prestigious Columbia University in New York.  

Miss Michael was author of the book "The Miracle Flower" and a lifelong advocate of disabled veterans. After reading John McCrae's poem, "In Flanders Fields," she wrote her own poem pledging to "keep the faith" for all who died in the war by wearing a red poppy in their remembrance. 

She began selling red poppies on Armistice Day, and though she started with only a $10 gift check two days before Armistice in 1918, her vision has grown into a multimillion dollar enterprise operating throughout the English speaking world. 

General John J. Pershing  personally wrote to Miss Michael, congratulating her on the "splendid patriotic service" she rendered through originating and promulgating the Flanders Field Memorial Poppy.  

Miss Michael retired from the University of Georgia in 1938 with the title of Emeritus, ending her 54-year career in education. She died on May 10, 1944 and is buried in the Rest Haven Cemetery in Monroe.