History of Murder Creek Is Discussed
Jasper County Historical Foundation hosted its winter program, Murder Creek by Larry Smith, to interested Jasper Countians last week. The record number of attendees listened intently as Mr. Smith, a Jasper County native and American historian, talked about Murder Creek— whether folklore, fable or fact. His narrative was supported with a slideshow by Benny Hawthorne, historical photographer of Jasper County and surrounding areas.
Mr. Smith began his talk with the natural flow of the creek from its spring beginning close to Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center off Hwy. 11 North of Monticello, to its spill into Lake Sinclair, Putnam County where it resembles a river because of the wide banks and volume of water flowing through.
The narrative then moved into a history of this area during the 17 and 1800s, when the Creek Indians prevailed in middle and south Georgia and fought to keep land areas from the settlers. During the hour that Larry Smith spoke to the large group, he continually teased with the question of how the creek acquired its controversial name to the delight of the audience.
Murder Creek is found on land maps as early as 1800 so the history is buried deep in the past. Mr. Smith brought so much of the history to the surface with his research that the listeners were about on the edge of their seats. The speaker led into a discussion on how Murder Creek did not get its name and several in the audience added a comment or two as he moved along this train of thought.
Mr. Smith then repeated a slide that he referred to as “our ladies,” three local young ladies of which only one was named, and admitted that the undeniable truth of Murder Creek’s name is still unknown. He speculates that it is probably the result of the Indian era and possibly the Oconee Wars of the late 1700s.
While the narrative covered one of the most fascinating topics of Jasper County history, it seems that the talk could have continued for hours more. Larry Smith and Benny Hawthorne presented a fascinating program that attendees are still talking about.
This county has much history to dig into and the Jasper County Historical Foundation brings it to the community on a regular schedule – every quarter of the year there is a program presented by the Foundation to keep the county’s history alive to residents and newcomers. For more information on JCHF or the various programs and events at Thomas Persons Hall, 319 College Street, call 706-468-2508 or online at Thomas Persons Hall.com or Facebook.com/thomaspersonshall
