Bleckley County, located in central Georgia, is a charming rural community that exemplifies small-town southern living at its finest. Established in 1912 as Georgia’s 147th county, Bleckley County was carved out of Pulaski County and named after Logan Bleckley, a former chief justice of Georgia’s Supreme Court.

The county seat, Cochran, was originally known as Dykesboro and was incorporated in 1869. It was later renamed after Judge Arthur Cochran, who played a significant role in the area’s development as president of the Macon and Brunswick Railroad.

Spanning 219 square miles, Bleckley County is home to a population of approximately 12,583 residents as of the 2020 census. The county takes great pride in its excellent school system, which consistently ranks among the top in the state and nation. Students from Bleckley County regularly excel in both academics and athletics at state and regional levels.

Historically, Bleckley County’s economy was dominated by large pine forests and the turpentine industry. Today, the county boasts a thriving agricultural sector, with rich soil supporting a variety of crops including cotton, soybeans, peanuts, and fruit orchards. Livestock farming also plays a significant role in the local economy.

Bleckley County offers several points of interest for residents and visitors alike, including the Ocmulgee River and Game Preserve, and Hillcrest (also known as Cedar Hall), an early 20th-century home listed on the National Register of Historic Places[2]. The county is also home to a campus of Middle Georgia State University, which contributes to the area’s educational and cultural landscape.

With its rich history, strong sense of community, and commitment to education and agriculture, Bleckley County continues to be a wonderful place to live, work, and visit in the heart of Georgia