Waycross was incorporated as the county seat of Ware County on March 3, 1874. Waycross, originally known as Tebeauville, gets its name from the city’s location at key railroad junctions. Lines from six directions meet at the city. Its name signifies its strategic position where “Ways Cross”. In colonial days, it was the hub of stagecoach roads and pioneer trails. Later the old Plant System and the Brunswick and Western Railroad lines crossed here, giving birth to a modern railroad network.

Waycross marks the beginning of the Okefenokee Swamp and offers many chances to experience the swamp. The Okefenokee has a wildlife refuge in Waycross for people to enjoy the swamp. The city also offers tours of the famous swamp for tourists.