The Cobbham District was initially a rural enclave just northwest of Athens' central business district, but over the years, it has turned into a densely populated neighborhood. Boundaries have shifted, with the original area defined by an 80 lot land sale in 1834 and then expanding post-Civil War. Sylvanus Morris, Dean of the Law School from 1900-1927, authored “Strolls About Athens During the 1870’s” which was published in 1912. In this, he writes of a quiet wooded area, with homes nestled among trees and gardens, representing a mix of architectural styles.
The University of Georgia played an interesting role in shaping the area. Much of the land that now constitutes the Cobbham Historic District was originally part of John Milledge's donation of 633 acres to establish the University. Athens experienced a surge in development during the 1820s, however, the Cobbham vicinity remained relatively untouched. The landscape began to shift in 1833 when university trustees initiated the subdivision and sale of a portion of their lands in the Cobbham area. By July of the next year, Colonel John Addison Cobb, seized the opportunity to purchase and promote 80 lots for sale creating Cobbham and kickstarting the residential growth in the area. Nonetheless, Cobb eventually faced financial turmoil around 1840, and many of the remaining lots were sold off by the sheriff to settle his debts. By 1860, the area had been reported to have a fire cistern and was in preparation for gas lines by Athens Gas Light Company.
The Greek Revival buildings and Victorian-era structures contribute to its distinctive character. The District holds a treasure trove of stories and landmarks. From the remnants of a brothel to the neighborhood's notable past residents, including Confederates, a Pulitzer Prize winner, and Athens’ first aviator, Ben Epps, this area is saturated with varied history. One of Cobbham's unexpected treasures is its own Piedmont Park, located at the corner of Church and Hill streets. This area has remained well preserved with a great deal of honor paid to these historic structures even under commercial pressure from a growing town. Emerging from a grassroots neighborhood initiative established in 1971, the Historic Cobbham Foundation is a collective effort by residents aimed at preserving the ambiance of the Cobbham neighborhood. In 1978, the district was listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
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