Virtual field trips give us an opportunity to tour historic locations, explore significant events, and learn more about the people who make history and live through it. This Daily Dozen will help you explore interesting people and places right here in Gwinnett County.
Bicentennial Celebration— Gwinnett County’s Past, Present, and Future
Gwinnett County was established on Dec. 15, 1818. The county has evolved from its roots as an agrarian-based community with dirt roads and railroads to a booming suburb with close to one million residents.
1. Meet Button Gwinnett. Our county’s namesake, Button Gwinnett was one of three signers of the Declaration of Independence. Learn more about this founding father and our county at a recent Button Gwinnett Day celebration.
2. Telling the Gwinnett Story. To commemorate Gwinnett County’s 200th birthday, county officials invited residents to tell stories about how our vibrantly connected community came to be and where we are today. Those stories live in the Story Vault. You can learn a bit more about Gwinnett in Bicentennial Minutes on historic locations around the county, stories of success, and a look back at life in Gwinnett. Check out this story about livestock in the courthouse.
3. Documenting Gwinnett’s Bicentennial. In this documentary series produced by Gwinnett County, learn about the early families of our community, the African American Journey in Gwinnett, and the new pioneers who make Gwinnett home today. Discover 200 years of commerce, military contributions of Gwinnett residents, and a look at where we are today as a community.
4. Bicentennial fun for kids. Find fun history-related activities, like word jumbles and coloring pages, on the Bicentennial website.
Historic Sites
5. Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center. Visit displays in the LEEDS-certified center to learn a little more about the Creek and Cherokee, the first inhabitants of this area.
6. Fort Daniel Site. Built on the highest point on Hog Mountain, Fort Daniel was completed in 1813 to protect the frontier. On the Fort Daniel Foundation’s website, learn about the fort’s history and interesting archaeological finds.
7. Elisha Winn House. When Gwinnett County was formed in 1818, Elisha Winn’s property was at the center of the action, hosting planning sessions, the courts, elections, and even the jail!
8. Take a trip into the past. The county owns a number of historic buildings that offer a window on a bygone era. Built in the 1850s, the Lawrenceville Female Seminary holds a host of cool artifacts. Learn more about the milling process in this Civil War-era grist mill at Freeman’s Mill Park. The Chesser-Williams House shows what life in Gwinnett was like in the 1880s. It’s the 1930s and the McDaniel family is working the farm. Learn more about the county’s history with the Gwinnett Historical Society.
Outside in Gwinnett Parks
Gwinnett County is situated in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in what is called the Piedmont region of Georgia. With a mild climate, abundant natural resources, and a diverse array of fauna and flora, Gwinnett’s urban forests are home to a variety of wildlife despite continuous population growth. More than 6% of all land in our county is protected for greenspace! Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation manages nearly 10,000 acres of park lands— from forests and lakes to streams and meadows. For now, check out these “Your Virtual parks” videos that take you behind the scenes in our parks, and make plans for an in-person visit when you can!
9. Trees in Gwinnett Parks. Learn more about common trees found in Gwinnett from a Georgia Master Naturalist.
10. Chefs in the Forest of Gwinnett. Learn about fungi and other decomposers that make tasty soil for trees.
11. Birds in Gwinnett Parks. In our parks and in your own backyard, you’ll find a host of migratory birds!
12. A Walk in Gwinnett Parks. Take a moment and slow down to find wildlife in Gwinnett parks.
13. Dinosaurs in Gwinnett Parks. Take a virtual dino hike in Gwinnett parks!
We’ll be sharing more tips so watch for the next installment of DLD Daily Dozen!