You  might say that Statesboro is something of a late bloomer. This Bulloch County  town dates back to 1801, when land was first granted toward building its city  center. But the town barely grew until decades later, in 1866. Despite its protracted development, Statesboro  grew into a graceful Southern town with pretty buildings and a thriving trade. Georgia  Southern University built its campus there in 1906, and the Allman Brothers  Band made the town internationally famous when they performed Blind Willie  McTell’s “Statesboro Blues” in 1971. You can see some of Statesboro’s  architectural gems – some of which are listed on the National Register of  Historic Places – in the city’s historic downtown  districts.

Bulloch County  Courthouse –  In 1894 Bulloch County built its third courthouse, to replace the original,  which Union forces burned down during the Civil War, and a temporary replacement  building. The “new” courthouse is still in use today.

Historic Jaeckel  Hotel –  Built in 1905, the Jaeckel Hotel once housed wealthy and well-known guests,  including the stars of “Gone With the Wind,” and traveling tobacco salesmen,  known back then as drummers. Blues singer Blind Willie McTell is said to have  played on the steps of the hotel early in his career. The hotel ceased  operation in the 1960s; Statesboro City Hall eventually moved in.

Historic  Statesboro Inn and Restaurant  – Two  Victorian-style houses (1881 and 1905) make up the inn; the newer building also  displays neoclassical details too. McTell is said to have written “Statesboro Blues”  on the property. President George W. Bush stayed there in 2006.

Georgia  Southern University – Southern Drive offers a dramatic entrance to Georgia Southern  University: a tree-framed view of the Marvin Pittman Administration Building,  one of the university’s three original buildings.  Take the traditional walk around the great  lawn in front of the building, known as “Sweetheart Circle.”

David H. Averitt Center for the Arts – This 1894  building originally housed the Bank of Statesboro, which closed during the  Great Depression and never reopened. Now it includes studio and conference  space (and the adjacent Emma Kelly Theater, a 1936 art deco building that was  once a movie house).

Savannah Avenue Historic District – Graceful historic  homes and gardens from the early 1900s make up Statesboro’s first suburb. The  homes are private, but you can still appreciate their turn-of-the-century  architecture and exterior details.