Forts were built to protect the early settlers who lived on the frontier. Indians were likely to be incited by misunderstanding and depredations. Horses and farm animals were frequently stolen, and families had to be protected in a fortress-type log buildings. Surrounded by high wooden fences, usually located about a spring place to provide the necessary water for people and cows.
About 1796 after Elbert County was created in 1790, a report of the conditions of Forts was made to his excellency. George Mathews, Esq'r. Governor and Commander in Chief for Georgia. by W. W. Wofford and a sketch was made locating the Forts inspected in Franklin County. The Forts lying along the Hudson River were: Col. Jones Fort; Black's Fort; and Wilkins Fort. Along "Neall's" (Nails) Creek above Col. Little's were shown Trimble's Fort. Bush's Fort and Norris' Fort. On the Middle-Fork of Broad River above Leatherwood Creek were shown Hollingsworth's Fort and Wofford's Fort. Walton's and Ward's forts were shown on the Tugaloo River and Col. Benj. Cleveland's was located at the confluence of "Choggee" Creek and Tugalo River. Still other Forts were located on the Tugalo River above the point where it was joined by the Seneca River.
In the lower half of Banks County other early settlers came into Franklin County after the Revolutionary War when many soldiers received Bounty Land Grants. When grants wee surveyed, the choice tracts included some river frontage or flowing streams through the land. Some settlers took up headright grants also. At first the land was cleared and crude cabins were built. As the land flourished better homes were constructed, church buildings were erected and schools, masonic buildings and voting precinct houses built. Source - Banks County History by Mize.
