In December 1857, a bill passed in the Georgia State Senate that carved out everything in Baker County to the east of the Flint River into a new county called Mitchell. It was to be named after Gen. Henry Mitchell, who had served valiantly in the Revolutionary War and had continued his public service as a leader in the Georgia legislature for many years. David West, a local resident, provided 50 acres at the center of the new territory for the organization of a new county seat and the construction of a new courthouse and other public buildings. In fewer than 12 months, construction was underway, and the town of Camilla had been incorporated. It was named after Camilla Mitchell, the 19-year-old granddaughter of General Mitchell.