Pulaski County, Georgia
Pulaski County is located in south-central Georgia with an estimated population of approximately 11,300 residents. Created in 1808, the county was named after Casimir Pulaski, the Polish-born cavalry officer who fought and died for American independence during the Revolutionary War. The county seat is the city of Hawkinsville, which sits along the Ocmulgee River and has historically been known for its harness racing heritage. Pulaski County's economy and identity are closely tied to agriculture, with the fertile lands along the Ocmulgee River supporting productive farming operations for more than two centuries.
Geography and Physical Setting
Pulaski County encompasses approximately 247 square miles in the upper Coastal Plain of Georgia. The terrain transitions from gently rolling Piedmont remnants in the north to the flatter Coastal Plain in the south. The Ocmulgee River flows through the heart of the county, providing the most significant geographic and hydrological feature. The river's floodplain creates fertile alluvial soils that have supported agriculture since the county's earliest settlement. Sandy loam soils in the upland areas support both row crops and timber production. The climate is humid subtropical with hot summers and mild winters, and the long growing season of approximately 250 days favors a variety of crops.
Government and Public Services
Pulaski County is governed by a Board of Commissioners that oversees county administration, road maintenance, and public services. The county courthouse in Hawkinsville, an architecturally notable Beaux Arts structure completed in 1917, serves as the judicial and administrative center and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Pulaski County Sheriff's Office provides law enforcement. Public education is administered by the Pulaski County School System. The county works with the Heart of Georgia Altamaha Regional Commission for regional planning and development.
Economy
Agriculture forms the foundation of Pulaski County's economy. Cotton, peanuts, corn, and soybeans are cultivated on the county's farmland, with the river bottomlands yielding particularly productive harvests. Timber harvesting from the county's pine forests contributes to the economic base. Hawkinsville has historically been associated with harness racing, with training facilities along the Ocmulgee River attracting Standardbred horse operations, though this industry has diminished from its peak. The city maintains the Harness Racing Heritage Museum. Government employment, healthcare, and retail services in Hawkinsville provide additional employment. The Ocmulgee River offers recreational opportunities including fishing and boating that support modest tourism activity.
Key Communities
Hawkinsville — The county seat and largest city with a population of approximately 5,400. Hawkinsville's downtown area along the Ocmulgee River features the historic courthouse, commercial buildings, and community institutions. The city's broad main street and riverfront location give it a distinctive character among small Georgia cities.
Hartford — A small municipality in the northern portion of Pulaski County, serving as a rural residential community connected to the agricultural economy of the surrounding area.