Echols County on the Florida border was created from Clinch and Lowndes counties in 1858. It is named for Robert M. Echols, a member of the General Assembly for 24 years. Echols enlisted in the war with Mexico and held the rank of brigadier general until he died in service. Statenville, the county seat, is unique in that it has zero population; its city limits are restricted to the courthouse block by a state statute.