Towns County Historical Society Awarded William G. Pomeroy Foundation Grant for National Register Plaque at Old Rock Jail

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The Towns County Historical Society has been awarded a grant from the William G. Pomeroy

Foundation to install an official National Register of Historic Places plaque at the Old Rock Jail

Museum in downtown Hiawassee.

Constructed in 1936 as a federal relief project during the Great Depression, the Old Rock Jail

was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985 under its historic name, the Towns

County Jail. Today, it remains one of only two properties in Towns County listed on the National

The National Register of Historic Places is the nation official list of historic properties worthy

of preservation. Listing recognizes a property historical, architectural, or archaeological

significance and helps preserve the places that tell America story.

Over the past 90 years, the Old Rock Jail has served many roles within the community.

Originally constructed as the county jail and sheriff residence, the building has also housed

Hiawassee City Hall, the police department, county offices, and today serves as the Towns

County Historical Society Museum and future research center. Through each chapter of its

history, the building has remained an enduring symbol of Towns County.

The new bronze plaque will permanently identify the Old Rock Jail as a National Register-listed

property, helping residents and visitors recognize its historical importance while encouraging

appreciation for the preservation of local heritage.

We are grateful to the William G. Pomeroy Foundation for supporting this project," said Tyler

Osborn, President of the Towns County Historical Society. "This plaque will highlight one of

only two National Register-listed properties in Towns County and help ensure its story continues

to be shared with future generations."

The William G. Pomeroy Foundation® is a private philanthropic organization based in Syracuse,

New York. As the nation leading funder of historical markers, the Foundation has awarded

more than 3,000 grants for historical markers and bronze plaques in 49 states and Washington,

D.C., helping communities commemorate and preserve their local history.

For more information about the William G. Pomeroy Foundation, visit wgpfoundation.org.

The Old Rock Jail Museum is open for guests and visitors every 1 st and 3rd Friday and Saturday

from 10 AM – 2 PM, as well as during the Hiawassee First Friday Night Market from 5 PM – 8

PM. Tours can also be scheduled by appointment. For more information, visit

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