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Georgia's 2026 List of Places in Peril

The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation has recently announced its 2026 list of ten essential locations across Georgia that are considered in peril. This annual initiative aims to raise awareness about the state's significant historic and cultural sites that are at risk of neglect, decay, or demolition. This year's list includes notable landmarks such as the Boggs Rural Life Center, the Civilian Conservation Corps Camp at Hard Labor Creek State Park, and the Wayne County Courthouse.

Key Sites in Peril

1. Boggs Rural Life Center (Keysville, Burke County): Once a prestigious boarding school for African American students, this center represents a vital part of the state's educational history. Today, the buildings are under threat due to years of neglected maintenance, risking their historic significance.

2. Civilian Conservation Corps Camp (Rutledge, Morgan County): Established in 1934, this camp is the last remaining CCC site in Georgia and carries significant historical value from the New Deal era. Deterioration and limited funding currently jeopardize its remaining structures.

3. Egleston Hall (Atlanta, Fulton County): Known for its unique Gothic Revival architecture, Egleston Hall is facing potential damage from nearby construction and revitalization efforts, putting its future at risk.

4. Legion Pool (Athens, Clarke County): A WPA-era swimming pool that has served as a social hub for decades, it is now slated for demolition, driving home the critical need for preservation measures.

5. McCranie Turpentine Still (Willacoochee, Atkinson County): As the last intact turpentine still from Georgia's naval stores industry, this historic site faces threats from hurricane damage and ongoing deterioration.

6. Orange Hall (St. Marys, Camden County): This mid-19th-century Greek Revival masterpiece has been suffering from structural issues for years. Without focused restoration efforts, the building may face irreversible damage.

7. Salem Campground (Covington, Newton County): One of Georgia's oldest religious camp meeting sites, its historic structures are vulnerable due to age and ground settlement.

8. Thomas L. Bell Memorial Ballpark (Americus, Sumter County): A community landmark — this historic ballpark's relevance is fading with new athletic facilities being constructed nearby, raising questions about its preservation.

9. Union Brothers and Sisters Mission Hall (Meridian, McIntosh County): Originating from the era of formerly enslaved African Americans, this cultural site is in dire need of stabilization and investment.

10. Wayne County Courthouse (Jesup, Wayne County): Having suffered damage from a recent fire, this Romanesque Revival courthouse now requires significant restoration and funding to ensure its functionality and historical integrity.

The Significance of Preservation

As emphasized by W. Wright Mitchell, president and CEO of the Trust, the goal of the Places in Peril initiative is to foster awareness and inspire action toward the preservation of these historic sites. The ongoing risks posed by neglect and insufficient public policy highlight an urgent need for community involvement in safeguarding Georgia's rich cultural heritage.

The Georgia Trust, founded in 1973, is committed to promoting and preserving the state’s historic resources. It not only advocates for saving these landmarks but also provides technical assistance and funding opportunities for preservation projects. Through initiatives like the Places in Peril list, the Trust shines a light on these vulnerable sites, aiming to galvanize support for their restoration.

For more detailed information about the individual sites listed and their historical significance, visit the Georgia Trust's official website. The hope is to rally support from the community to protect these significant pieces of Georgia's heritage before they are lost forever.

Join the conversation about preservation and explore how you can contribute to protecting the sites that define Georgia’s history.