Ever wonder how Harbins, near Dacula, got its name? Gwinnett County decided to give us a history lesson.

The area is named after John Harbin, who served as a “community provider” to widows and children who had lost the men in their families, according to a post on the county’s 2040 Unified Plan page. Harbin would help these women and children who were saddled with farm chores that would have typically been done by husbands and fathers.

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Harbin became captain of the “Harbin’s Militia District” in 1840; that area would later become known as the Harbins community, what it’s still called today. Harbins is also closely associated with the nearby community of Shady Grove, which was populated by black farmers after the Civil War.

Now, there’s Harbins Park in the same area. The park has ruins of multiple homes, wells and roads that were part of the original community. There’s also more modern features, like a dog park, paved walking trails and equestrian trails.

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Gwinnett County Public School's Book Mobile and One 2 One Educational Support bring books and food to children at the Centre at Peachtree Corners apartments on Friday, July 20. Jenna Eason / Jenna.Eason@coxinc.com

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