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In 1826 the Georgia State Legislature created the Inferior Court as the first governing body of Troup County. A council of five was elected to serve with judicial powers in lesser cases, as opposed to the Superior Court. Troup County was reorganized in 1827 and divided to create Meriwether County from the eastern portion. At this time a new council of five was elected with powers to create militia districts, govern the county, and build bridges and roads. They had authority over probate matters until 1852, when that function was given to a Judge of the Court of Ordinary (now called Probate Judge). The Inferior Court's powers as a judiciary agency ended in 1866 with the creation of the County Court.

On February 28, 1876, the County Commission was created and took over the remaining duties of the Inferior Court which was abolished in 1877. During the 20-year period from 1876 through 1895 all members of the County Commission were appointed by the Grand Jury. Beginning in 1895 the positions became elective county-wide.

In 1916, a plan was put before the voters to make the Commission a one person job, that measure was defeated. A measure to stagger the election of Commissioners to avoid all members from being replaced at the same time was adopted in 1954. Also considered was a plan to add a sixth commissioner, but it failed. The commission created the position of County Manager in 1974 to handle the day-to-day operations of the government.

A new election system was put in place in 1978 which called for changing from the county-wide election of all posts to a five-member board with four elected by district. The position of Chairman, which had previously been chosen by the commissioners, became a county-wide elected post.


For more information on historical or genealogical facts please contact the Troup County Archives (706) 884-1828.