Academy of Richmond County
- Also Known As: Augusta-Richmond County Museum
- Address: 540 Telfair St
- Vicinity: 6 th St
- Neighborhood of Downtown, Augusta in Augusta, GA
The old Academy of Richmond County is a hallmark for the Georgia public education system authorized by Georgia's earliest legislation regarding public education. Established in 1783 as the first such institution of its kind in the State of Georgia, the academy initially held classes in a building on Bay Street beginning in 1785. The provisions of the original act establishing it provided for a Board of Trustees with broad powers in the town of Augusta. The board was to raise funds for building both a seminary of learning and a church, financing them through the sale of lots in the town. Lots were periodically laid out along with new streets, and then sold as the population grew. - NPS