HISTORY  Walton County was laid out by the Lottery Act of 1818; was organized in 1819 and named in honor of George Walton, one of the three Georgians who signed the Declaration of Independence. The first court held in Walton County was at "Cow Pens", about three miles southeast of the present courthouse, and Judge John M. Dooley from the northern district presided. Cow Pens is said to have received its name from its use by Richard Easley of Athens, Georgia. Mr. Easley, owning large herds of cattle, came into possession of lands surrounding the spot where Cow Pens is now located and sent his herd there to graze.  Mr. Easley having built several protective "pens" or shelters for his cattle would call this place "Cow Pens" to differentiate between his other grazing places.   A fire in 1857 swept the entire section fronting Broad Street between the streets now known as Spring and Washington. The Courthouse was the only building left standing. Following the fire, the first brick buildings were erected.  

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