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Williams Crossroads - Community of Austin Bottom
William’s Crossroads was a rather uninhabited neighborhood until after the Civil War, when freed slaves of Mr. Shaw of Peeled Chestnut took up residence there. A colored school was formed before William's Crossroads School was formed. It is and always has been separated from the rest of DeKalb County by the river. Even today, one has to go around and through Putnam County to get to the Austin Bottom community. A colored cemetery remains in Peeled Chestnut, where many residents of William's Crossroads were buried.
Rock Castle School was also in this area by 1904 and remained until the 1950's. It was used as a polling place until the fire hall was built around 2008. Many of the present homes are used as vacation getaways.
Rock Castle School was also in this area by 1904 and remained until the 1950's. It was used as a polling place until the fire hall was built around 2008. Many of the present homes are used as vacation getaways.