8 Hidden Gems in Liberty County You Didn’t Know About
Photo by Joanna Ng Photography
Did you know that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a frequent guest at Dorchester Academy during the Civil Rights Movement? This historic site is one of only 11 stops in Georgia on the U.S. Civil Rights Trail, recognized for its pivotal role in the fight for equality.
Founded in 1871 by the American Missionary Association—now the United Church of Christ—Dorchester Academy began as a school for formerly enslaved people. By 1917, it had grown into a fully accredited high school with more than 300 students.
Today, Dorchester Academy is a designated National Historic Landmark. It serves as an African American history museum and community hub, with plans underway to expand into an educational and research center for the local community.
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Signers of the Declaration of Independence are from Liberty County
Did you know Liberty County is home to two signers of the Declaration of Independence? That’s right—Lyman Hall and Button Gwinnett both have deep roots here.
Lyman Hall, originally from Connecticut, moved to Georgia later in life and even served as the state’s governor from 1783 to 1784. Button Gwinnett, born in England, arrived in Georgia in 1765 and bought St. Catherine’s Island shortly after.
These two men helped shape the nation’s history, and their legacy is part of Liberty County’s story. When you visit, you’re walking in the footsteps of America’s early leaders!
Fort Morris is a special place—Georgia’s only Revolutionary War site with original earthworks you can walk! Managed by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, this spot lets you experience history up close while enjoying stunning views of St. Catherines Sound.
Take a stroll around the grounds and breathe in the fresh air while soaking up the scenery.
If you visit in the fall, don’t miss the “Come and Take It!” Encampment and Wreath Ceremony. It’s a lively event with musket and cannon drills, 18th-century music, colonial crafts and a wreath-laying ceremony by the Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution. It’s history you can see, hear and feel.
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Discover Historic St. Catherines Island
St. Catherines Island is one of Liberty County’s hidden gems. Did you know it was home to a Spanish mission built way back in the late 1500s? That mission is believed to be the oldest church in Georgia—and maybe even the oldest in the entire United States! The Spanish set it up to share their faith with the Native Americans who lived there.
The island’s beautiful beach is only reachable by boat and open to visitors during daylight hours. It’s the perfect spot to unwind, take a deep breath and listen to the gentle waves. While you can’t explore the island’s interior—it’s protected and closed to the public—the peaceful shoreline is an ideal place to reconnect with nature.
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The Story Behind the LeConte Pear
Liberty County has a tasty piece of history. Did you know the famous LeConte pear is named after John Eatton LeConte, who brought it to Georgia back in 1856?
The Southern pear industry really took off when the LeConte pear tree was introduced to nearby Thomasville in the early 1870s. At one point, there were over 200,000 pear trees in Thomas County alone! Growers were earning great prices, getting $3 to $7 per bushel.
The pear-growing region stretched all the way from Thomas County through South Georgia and included Liberty County. Major LeConte even created a hybrid version of the pear, and he sent a seedling to his niece, Jane LeConte Harden, who lived in Riceboro here in Liberty County.
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Walk Through History at the Historic Baptismal Trail
Photo Credit: Ralph Daniel
The Historic Baptismal Trail in Riceboro is one of Liberty County’s most meaningful hidden gems. This quiet, peaceful trail holds deep roots in local history and faith.
According to stories passed down through generations and shared by members of the First African Baptist Church, this site was used as early as the 1840s for Christian baptisms, especially for enslaved people who lived in the area. It remains a deeply spiritual place, offering a chance to reflect and honor the strength and resilience of those who came before us.
The trail is open to visitors Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. If you’re in Liberty County, we highly encourage you to stop by and experience the beauty and history that lives along this sacred path.
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The Timeless Midway Church
Photo Credit: Bobby Cary
While the church you see today was built in 1792, it’s actually not the original structure. The first permanent meetinghouse was built nearby in 1756, but it was destroyed by the British during the Revolutionary War.
The current building was designed in a classic New England style and originally painted red to help protect the wood from decay. Over time, it was painted white—the color we see today. In 1849, the church was reoriented, and in the 1950s, it was moved 40 feet east to make room for a wider Highway 17.
Despite all that movement, the church has never been modernized. It still stands tall as one of the most scenic historic landmarks in Georgia. Step inside or simply walk the grounds—either way, you’ll feel the deep history in every corner.
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Seafood with a View at the Sunbury Crab Company
Photo Credit: Joanna Ng
Looking for fresh seafood and coastal views? Head over to the Sunbury Crab Company, a local favorite tucked away on the coast just east of Midway. It’s the only spot in Liberty County where you can enjoy a delicious seafood meal with a sweeping view of the water.
This is the kind of place where you kick back, relax and take your time. Whether you’re watching the boats roll in or catching a sunset over the docks, the vibe is always easygoing.
This place operates on a reservation-only basis, so don’t forget to give them a call or book it online in advance. This spot is reservation-only, so be sure to book ahead—either by giving them a call or reserving online!
When you’re searching for a destination that blends rich history with small-town charm and natural beauty, Liberty County is the place to be. From historic landmarks and hidden trails to peaceful shorelines and fresh coastal cuisine, every corner offers a story waiting to be discovered. Chances are, you’ll be planning your next visit before you’ve even left.