text:
Perry, Georgia

Perry is a city in Houston and Peach counties in the U.S. state of Georgia. It is the county seat of Houston County. The population was 13,839 at the 2010 census, up from 9,602 at the 2000 census. As of 2019 the estimated population was 17,894. It is part of the Warner Robins, Georgia metropolitan statistical area, within the Macon–Bibb County–Warner Robins combined statistical area.

Perry is best known as the location of the annual Georgia National Fair.

History
Founded in 1823 as "Wattsville", the town was located near the center of Houston County and served as its courthouse. The name was soon changed to honor Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, a hero of the War of 1812. The Georgia General Assembly incorporated the town on December 9, 1824. The original city limit was a circle, one mile in diameter, except where bounded on the north by Big Indian Creek.

Antebellum industry in Perry included gristmills, sawmills, and cotton gins. The Houston Home Journal began publishing in 1870. Cotton was the most significant commodity crop in the 20th century.

Tourism has been important to the local economy since about 1920, when U.S. Highway 41 to Florida was paved. The New Perry Hotel, built in 1870 and rebuilt in 1925, became a landmark for many Florida tourists. The downtown area has emphasized its historic heritage and has several quaint shops and restaurants.

Since World War II, when Robins Air Force Base was established in nearby Warner Robins, the military has been a significant employer in the area. Warner Robins is several times larger than Perry. Other manufacturers in the city have included Frito-Lay, Perdue Farms (formally Heileman Brewing Co.), and Cemex, Inc. (formally Penn-Dixie Cement and Medusa Cement Company).

In the early 1960s Interstate 75 was constructed through the western side of the city. It has attracted more businesses that cater to travelers. The Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter opened in 1990. The Go Fish Georgia Education Center opened October 8, 2010.

Geography
Perry is located in west-central Houston County at 32.465°N, -83.72111°W (32.464940, −83.721163). The city limits extend northwest into Peach County. It is on Big Indian Creek, a tributary of the Ocmulgee River.

U.S. Highway 41 passes through the center of Perry, leading north 30 mi to Macon and south 16 mi to Unadilla. Interstate 75, the major north–south artery through Georgia, passes through the western side of Perry, with access from Exits 134 through 138. I-75 leads north 106 mi to Atlanta and south 123 mi to Valdosta. U.S. Highway 341 also passes through Perry, leading northwest 12 mi to Fort Valley and southeast 21 mi to Hawkinsville.

According to the United States Census Bureau, Perry has a total area of 68.1 km2, of which 67.8 sqkm are land and 0.3 sqkm, or 0.48%, are water.

Demographics
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 20,624 people, 6,242 households, and 4,160 families residing in the city.

Georgia National Fair
The Georgia National Fair is a state-sponsored fair that is held every October at the Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter in the southern part of Perry. The fair is an 11-day event offering a wide range of activities and shows, such as agricultural, livestock and horse shows, home and fine arts competitions, youth organization events (4-H, FBLA, FCCLA, FFA, and TSA), circus, midway rides, and games, fair food, major live music concerts in Reaves Arena, family entertainment, and nightly fireworks.

Go Fish Education Center
The Go Fish Education Center takes visitors on an educational journey through Georgia's watersheds to learn about the diverse aquatic wildlife, their natural habitats and the impact of water pollution. Visitors can see freshwater aquariums, explore underwater habitats, view aquatic wildlife, catch fish in a stocked pond, view a movie exploring Georgia's fishing options and traditions, and try out interactive fishing and boating simulators. The Go Fish Education Center is part of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division (Fisheries Management Section). The hours are Friday & Saturday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and Sunday from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. The center is reserved Tuesday through Thursday for school field trips and other groups.

Perry Buzzard Drop
The Buzzard drops in Perry each New Year's Eve with live entertainment, spirits sold on-site, a dance contest, and souvenir memorabilia.

Perry Area Historical Museum
The Perry Area Historical Museum was founded to identify, protect and preserve the area's historical landmarks, artifacts, and histories of its people. Exhibits include military, social, agricultural, fashion, education, and political memorabilia. Services offered by the museum include a heritage library of local and regional publications, records, documents, family histories, and other research material. Programs offered include guided tours, special events, kids programs, and activities. The hours are Tuesday through Thursday, from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon and 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. The museum is also open by appointment.

Perry Dogwood Festival
The Dogwood Festival is held the second weekend of April each year in downtown Perry. For each festival, there is a pageant, 5k, arts & crafts sale, food vendors, kids zone, youth entertainment stage, dog dock-diving competitions, and a hot air balloon rally.

Other attractions

 * Historic Downtown Perry
 * The Perry Players Community Theater
 * Perry Historic Walking/Driving Tour
 * Flat Creek Public Fishing Area
 * Georgia Grown Trail 41/341
 * Georgia National Rodeo
 * Peaches to the Beaches Yard Sale
 * Food Truck Fridays
 * Merchant's Wine Tasting
 * Georgia National Antique & Agriculture Show
 * Small Business Saturday
 * Perry's Festival of Trees

Airport
The Perry-Houston County Airport serves Middle Georgia's general aviation needs with a 5,000' x 100' runway, hangar space, a repair/maintenance facility, flight school, and both aviation and jet fuel services. Presently the facility is the base for 89 aircraft, with 66 public and corporate hangars.

Notable people

 * Ernest Greene, chillwave musician, known by his stage name Washed Out
 * Casey Hayward, cornerback for the Atlanta Falcons, and former Las Vegas Raiders, Los Angeles Chargers, Green Bay Packers, and Vanderbilt University football player
 * Photograph of Courtney Hodges - DPLA - d8a77bc1acf3b92a511c42b0c9c70829.jpegney Hodges, General US-O10 insignia.svg and commander of the First United States Army during World War II
 * Willis Hunt, senior federal judge
 * Sam Nunn, former United States Senator
 * Michelle Nunn, daughter of Sam Nunn, born and partly raised there, later CEO of Points of Light and candidate for U.S. Senate
 * Sonny Perdue, United States Secretary of Agriculture and former Governor of Georgia
 * Deborah Roberts, correspondent for ABC News
 * Ron Simmons, WCW/WWE wrestler and former Florida State Seminoles football player
 * Dontarrious Thomas, former linebacker for the San Francisco 49ers also the Minnesota Vikings and former Auburn University Tigers football player. Now entrepreneur and owner of VooDoo Wing Company in Auburn, AL and Las Vegas, NV
 * Al Thornton, former NBA player for Los Angeles Clippers, Washington Wizards, also the Golden State Warriors and former Florida State Seminoles basketball standout.
 * Richard Ray, former United States Representative.
 * Admiral James Harrison Oliver, Director of Navy Intelligence during World War I, appointed by President Woodrow Wilson to be the first governor of the Virgin Islands
 * Kanorris Davis, former Troy University Trojans linebacker and NFL New England Patriots safety/linebacker, currently a free agent

title: Perry, Georgia


text:
Warner Robins, Georgia

Warner Robins (WRB; typically ) is a city in Houston and Peach counties in the U.S. state of Georgia. It is the state's 11th-largest incorporated city, with a population of 80,308 in the 2020 census.

The city is the main component of the Warner Robins metropolitan statistical area, including Houston, Peach, and Pulaski counties, which had a census population of 201,469 in 2020. It is a component of the Macon–Warner Robins–Fort Valley combined statistical area, with an estimated 2018 population of 423,572. Robins Air Force Base, a U.S. Air Force maintenance and logistics complex that was founded as the Warner Robins Air Depot in 1942, is located east of the city limits. The base's expansion and the suburbanization of nearby Macon have led to the city's growth in the post-World War II era.

History
Warner Robins was founded in 1942 when the small farming community of Wellston was renamed for General Augustine Warner Robins (1882–1940) of the United States Army Air Corps, which later became the United States Air Force. It was incorporated as a town in 1943 and as a city in 1956.

The 1940 census shows that the community of Wellston was sparsely populated and inhabited primarily by farmers and their families. Its most notable landmark was a stop on the railroad line. Wellston also had a small sawmill and a grocery store. Peach orchards covered parts of the surrounding land.

This changed during World War II. The War Department made plans to build an air depot in the Southeast. With the assistance of influential U.S. Representative Carl Vinson, Wellston community leader Charles Bostic "Boss" Watson worked with officials in Macon to make a bid to locate this air depot in Houston County. In June 1941, the U.S. government accepted this offer, which included 3108 acre of land.

This air force base was initially called Wellston Army Air Depot when it opened in 1942. The first commander was Colonel Charles E. Thomas. He wanted to name this depot in honor of his mentor Augustine Warner Robins, who was called by his middle name, Warner. Regulations prevented him from doing this, which required the base to be named after the nearest town. Not deterred by this, Colonel Thomas persuaded Boss Watson and the other community leaders to rename the town of Wellston. So on September 1, 1942, the town was given the new name of Warner Robins. Soon thereafter, on October 14, 1942, the base was renamed to become Warner Robins Army Air Depot. The city has a unique name, shared with no other town in the United States.

Robins Air Force Base is not within the city limits of the town but is across U.S. Highway 129 (Georgia State Highway 247), which serves as a boundary between the base and the city.

In 2018, First Solar announced a project for a 200-megawatt, 2000 acre solar panel facility in Twiggs County east of Warner Robins. The facility would be the largest solar facility in the southeast.

Tornadoes
Tornadoes have continually plagued the city since its inception with the 1950s seeing at least four catastrophic tornadoes strike the area. The first one occurred on April 30, 1953, when an F4 tornado with winds of over 200 mph hit the city and portions of Robins Air Force Base, killing 18 people and injuring 300 more. That same day, a second tornado that was rated F2 damaged the northwest side of town. Ten months later, on March 13, 1954, a long-tracked F1 tornado struck the town, killing one and injuring five. Three years later, on April 5, 1957, an F2 tornado family hit the northwest side of the city, causing considerable damage. At least nine tornadoes have hit the town and the surrounding area.

Geography
Warner Robins is located at 32.60861°N, -83.63806°W (32.608720ºN, −83.638027ºE). It is approximately 20 mi south of Macon and 100 mi south of Atlanta. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 35.4 mi2, of which 35.1 mi2 is land and 0.3 mi2 (0.82%) is water.

Climate
Warner Robins has a humid subtropical climate (Köppen Cfa). It experiences hot, humid summers and generally mild winters, with average high temperatures ranging from 92.0 °F in the summer to 58.0 °F high during winter. Snowfall is a moderately rare event. Warner Robins-area historical tornado activity is slightly above the state average. It is 86% greater than the overall U.S. average.

Demographics
Local sources indicate that Warner Robbins had a population of 50 in 1940. Warner Robbins first appeared in the 1950 U.S. Census.

2020
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 80,308 people, 29,742 households, and 19,256 families residing in the city.

Quality of life
In 2009, Business Week magazine named Warner Robins the best place in Georgia to raise a family. The ranking was bestowed again for 2010. The Warner Robins Area Chamber was named one of the top three chambers of commerce in the U.S. for a chamber in its division in 2009 by the American Chamber of Commerce Executives Association. In 2012, CNN Money named Warner Robins No. 7 on its Best Places To Live list for America's best small cities.

Government
Warner Robins is governed by a mayor and a six-member city council, four of whom are elected by district and two of whom are elected at-large. LaRhonda Patrick has been serving as mayor since 2022, after defeating incumbent mayor Randy Toms in a November 2021 runoff election. She is the first woman and first person of color to be elected mayor of Warner Robins.

Since 2013, most of the city is within the 147th district of the Georgia House of Representatives, currently represented by Republican member Bethany Ballard.

Major roads
Warner Robins is generally located between U.S. Highway 129/Georgia State Route 247 and Interstate 75 about 6 mi to the west; Georgia State Route 96 passes through the southern edge of the city. U.S. Highway 129 leads north 19 mi to downtown Macon and south 28 mi to Hawkinsville. GA-247 follows U.S. Highway 129 throughout the city, and leads north to Macon and south to Hawkinsville. GA-96 leads east-northeast 27 mi to Jeffersonville and west 20 mi to Fort Valley.

Pedestrians and cycling

 * The Walk at Sandy Run
 * Walker's Pond Trail
 * Wellston Trail

Museum of Aviation
Warner Robins is home to the Museum of Aviation, which honors the history of military aviation. Located next to the Air Force base, the museum contains exhibits on military memorabilia, airplanes and ground vehicles, the Tuskegee Airmen, and Operation Desert Storm. It is the second largest museum sponsored by the United States Air Force and the fourth-most visited museum in the Department of Defense. It is also the largest tourist attraction outside Atlanta in the state of Georgia.

Baseball and softball
According to Warner Robins residents in 1958 Claude Lewis, director of the Warner Robins Recreation Department, invented the game of tee-ball. The first game was played in March of that year with 20 children participating. Lewis wrote rules for the new game and sent rule books out to recreation departments all over the country. In 2006, a field was dedicated and named for Lewis, "the father of tee-ball", at the Warner Robins American Little League complex.

Warner Robins American Little League won the 2007 Little League World Series, defeating Tokyo Kitasuna Little League of Tokyo, Japan 3–2 in the final. Dalton Carriker hit a walk-off home run in the bottom of the 6th inning to win the game for Georgia.

On December 9, 2008, the Little League International Board of Directors unanimously voted for Warner Robins to become the new Southeast Region Headquarters of Little League Baseball and Softball. Games began to be played in Warner Robins in 2010.

The Warner Robins American Little League girls' softball team won the 2009 Little League Softball World Series by defeating Crawford, Texas, making Warner Robins the only Little League to have won both a baseball and a softball title.

The Warner Robins American Little League girls' softball team defended their 2009 championship by defeating Burbank, California in the 2010 Little League Softball World Series. By doing so, Warner Robins became only the fourth Little League program to produce back-to-back championship teams, and the first since Waco, Texas, which had won in 2003–2004.

Economy

Robins Air Force Base is one of the largest employers in the state of Georgia and directly contributes over 25,000 military, civil service, and contractor jobs to the local economy. It has provided economic stability for Warner Robins that has benefited the entire Middle Georgia community.

The city of Warner Robins is working on redeveloping and renewing areas that have suffered from urban decay and/or abandonment through neglect and city growth. The city's plans include development of a centralized downtown center "for pedestrian-oriented businesses, culture and community gathering" to be re-established at Commercial Circle in order to "connect commerce and culture back to Downtown."

In May 2009 Warner Robins was listed by the Adversity Index as one of four Georgia metro areas that have had less than nine months of recession over the past fifteen years and have only recently been affected by the Global Financial Crisis of 2008–2009.

In June 2011, Warner Robins was listed in Wired magazine as one of 12 small cities that are driving the "Knowledge Economy". Georgia was the only Southeastern state listed, and Warner Robins was one of two Georgia cities ranked (the other one being Hinesville-Ft. Stewart). The rankings featured small cities that are luring knowledge workers and entrepreneurs and which have both a relatively high median family income and a relatively high percentage of creative workers who drive the economy.

Houston Medical Center
Houston County Hospital was dedicated on July 2, 1960, with 50 beds. The hospital was renamed Houston Medical Center in 1986 after renovations. The patient rooms were converted at this time from semi-private to private, with 186 beds available. The addition of a new five-story northwest tower was completed in 2009, making a total of 237 beds. Houston Medical Center is part of the Houston Healthcare system, which serves over 300,000 people annually.

Warner Robins Little Theatre
The Warner Robins Little Theatre was established in 1962 as a non-profit community theatre. This organization now owns their theatre playhouse debt-free. The theatre continues to thrive. Five main shows are produced every year. Occasionally workshops and other special events are held for the Middle Georgia community.

Popular culture
The bands Rehab, Stillwater, Doc Holliday, Sugar Creek, and Luke's Cabbage Store are based in Warner Robins.

Newspapers

 * The Telegraph, daily
 * The Sun, a section of the Telegraph printed weekly devoted to news in Houston and Peach Counties
 * Houston Home Journal, twice weekly, the legal organ for Houston County

Television stations
Warner Robins is part of the Macon DMA, which is the nation's 120th largest television market. See the box below for local television stations:

Radio stations
Warner Robins is part of the Macon Arbitron Metro, which is the nation's 130th largest radio market with a person 12+ population of 372,400. See the box below for the local radio stations:

Education
The portion of Warner Robins in Houston County is served by the Houston County School System. The portion of the city in Peach County is served by Peach County School District.

Branch campuses of colleges and universities

 * Central Georgia Technical College
 * Fort Valley State University
 * Georgia College & State University
 * Georgia Military College
 * Mercer University
 * Middle Georgia State University

High schools

 * Houston County High School
 * Houston County Career and Technology Center
 * Northside High School
 * Warner Robins High School
 * Veterans High School (in nearby unincorporated Kathleen, Georgia)
 * Elberta Center
 * Crossroads Center (alternative school)

Libraries
The library is the Nola Brantley Memorial Library.

Notable people

 * Eddie Anderson — professional football player
 * Russell Branyan — Major League Baseball player
 * James Brooks — professional football player
 * Cortez Broughton — professional football player
 * Marquez Callaway — former Tennessee Volunteers and NFL football player; currently a free agent
 * Betty Cantrell — Miss America 2016
 * Kal Daniels — Major League Baseball player
 * Robert Davis — professional football player with the Washington Redskins
 * Travis Denning — country music singer
 * Bobbie Eakes — Emmy Award-nominated actress; singer
 * Jake Fromm — former Georgia Bulldogs quarterback, current NFL free agent quarterback
 * Phil Horan — former drummer in the post-rock band Maserati
 * Willis Hunt — senior federal judge for the U.S. Northern District of Georgia
 * Jessie James — pop singer
 * Mark Johnson — Major League Baseball player
 * Abry Jones — professional football player
 * Daniel-Leon Kit — entertainer, web personality
 * Amanda Kozak — Miss Georgia 2006
 * Kyle Moore — professional football player
 * David Perdue — former U.S. Senator
 * Sonny Perdue — Governor of Georgia, 2003–2011; United States Secretary of Agriculture, 2017–2021
 * Victoria Principal — actress
 * Willie Reid — professional football player
 * Mike Richardson — professional football player
 * Robert Lee Scott, Jr. — U.S. Air Force Brigadier General and pilot; wrote autobiography God is My Co-Pilot
 * Ken Shamrock — professional MMA fighter and professional wrestler
 * Ron Simmons — professional football player and professional wrestler
 * Ben Smith — #22 overall in the 1990 NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles; played defensive back for Philadelphia Eagles, Denver Broncos, and Arizona Cardinals
 * Chansi Stuckey — professional football player
 * Timothy Walker — former professional football player, Seattle Seahawks
 * Robert Waymouth — chemistry professor at Stanford University
 * Steven Nelson - professional football player
 * Wylie Draper — actor, dancer, choreographer best known for playing Michael Jackson in The Jacksons: An American Dream

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Warner Robins, Georgia


text:
Ocilla, Georgia

The city of Ocilla is the county seat of Irwin County, Georgia, United States. Its population was 3,498 at the 2020 census. Ocilla is part of the Fitzgerald micropolitan statistical area.

History
Ocilla was founded in 1880, incorporated as a town in 1897, and finally re-incorporated as a city in 1902. It is not clear whether Ocilla is named for the Seminole Chief Osceola, for an Oswichee Native American tribe, or, as proposed by historian John Goff, it could be an adaptation of the place name Auscilla. A 1981 Fitzgerald Herald-Leader says that "a tribe of Oswichee Indians once lived near the Ocmulgee River on land known in 1818 as Irwin County." There, towns were called Oswitchee and Ocilla, and sometimes Ocichi. The French census shows that a town called Ocichi existed there in 1750. A later census in 1832 gives Oswhichee as the name of another Indian village close to Osochi." It goes on with "The town's name was changed seven times. It was called by the Indians Assile, next Aglie, Axilla, Agulu, Ochile, and lastly Ocilla." This theory is less popular today.

The most popular theory is that Ocilla is named for Chief Osceola, who had a prominent role in the Second Seminole War. Allegedly, he camped in the area known as Western Heights in Ocilla and frequently could be found in the area until his capture and imprisonment at Fort Moultrie, South Carolina. Osceola is probably the reason that the sports teams in Irwin County are now known as the Indians.

Christmas Lady of Ocilla
In the 1980s and 1990s Marie Watson was known in Ocilla as the "Christmas Lady." Watson would intricately decorate the property around her home on Cherry Street with lights and Christmas decorations and each year "Santa Claus" would visit the property, taking wishes for gifts from children. Watson became famous for her Christmas cheer but eventually stopped due to the hassle of decorating and because of her older age. Today, her tradition is somewhat carried on every year as the City of Ocilla now decorates Cumbee Park, the public park directly in front of Watson's former home, and holds a yearly session with Santa Claus.

Ocilla Raceway or New Veterans Memorial Track
On the outskirts of town, Ocilla once hosted the New Veterans Memorial Track (commonly known as the Ocilla Raceway) which was a 3/8 mile layout racing track. It was inaugurated on April 23, 1950. Governor Herman Talmadge was scheduled to attend but was unavailable and the former Governor M.E. Thompson appeared instead. On opening day 2,500 people watched the first program featuring five separate races. James Bennett of Macon, Georgia won the 20-lap featured race and Lucy Stacks of Fitzgerald won the women's race. VFW would eventually take over the track after the original owner, Marion "Buddy" Green, decided that its liabilities were too great.

The races eventually began to run from January to December and hosted drivers from as far away as Atlanta and Northern Florida, as well as some local drivers. It was eventually shut down and the track survives in severe disrepair.

Dismuke and Willis Sanitarium
Doctors Dismuke and Willis, the first doctors in Ocilla, built and opened its first hospital, the Dismuke and Willis Sanitarium. The building still stands today across from the old Irwin County High School campus, albeit without its prominent porches. It is now a private residence.

Railroad
The railroad was a prominent factor in the development of Ocilla and Irwin County in the late 19th and early 20th century, with multiple railroads bearing the name of the town. A March 20, 1981 Fitzgerald Herald-Leader article said that at one time, fourteen passenger trains stopped in Ocilla each day. According to Frank Crouch, "The Seaboard passenger trains stopped two times a day," and there was also a railroad shop where trains would have gone for repair.

While no tracks currently connect any industry or passenger service to Ocilla, the remnants of the "Iron Horses" that once whizzed through the area are still visible from track embankments in Irwinville, Georgia to the historical red caboose prominently overlooking Cumbee Park. There were at least four railroads that connected directly to Ocilla.

The Ocilla and Irwinville Railroad
The Ocilla and Irwinville Railroad was incorporated on October 4, 1900 or earlier and operated 11 miles of track between Ocilla and Irwinville. The railroad owned one locomotive, one passenger carriage, and 46 freight carriages. The railroad was purchased in 1903 by the Brunswick & Birmingham Railroad, which later leased it to the Fitzgerald, Ocilla, & Broxton Railroad in 1911. The 11 miles of track originally built by the Ocilla & Irwinville Railroad were abandoned in 1916 and later removed.

The Ocilla and Valdosta Railroad
The Ocilla and Valdosta Railroad was chartered in 1903 with plans to connect Valdosta with Macon. By 1906, the railroad had completed its first line from Broxton to Ocilla and had begun the construction on its line from Ocilla to Fitzgerald. It also purchased a line between Broxton and Hazlehurst in 1905 and had started to absorb the Fitzgerald, Ocmulgee, and Red Bluff Railway. Due to financial issues, it sold the Broxton-Hazlehurst line in 1907. In 1908, its remaining properties became the property of the new Fitzgerald, Ocilla, and Broxton Railroad. Like the Ocilla-Irwinville line, the Broxton-Ocilla line was abandoned in 1916.

The Fitzgerald, Ocilla, and Broxton Railroad
The Fitzgerald, Ocilla, and Broxton Railroad was formed in 1907 to take over the failing Ocilla and Valdosta Railroad lines connecting its namesake cities. As it is said above, the railroad also took over the Ocilla-Irwinville route from the Ocilla and Irwinville Railroad by leasing that railroad from its parent owner, the Brunswick & Birmingham Railroad. Like the Ocilla and Valdosta Railroad, the FO&B soon began to fail. It was forced to lease its tracks between Ocilla and Fitzgerald to the Ocilla Southern Railroad in 1911.

The Ocilla Southern Railroad
The Ocilla Southern Railroad was incorporated in 1908 and opened its Ocilla-Alapaha line in 1910, leased the Ocilla-Fitzgerald line from the FO&B in 1911, built an extension from Fitzgerald to Rochelle in 1914, and extended its line from Rochelle to Pope City in 1917. From Pope City, the Ocilla Southern extended its line to Nashville and owned all of the 69 miles of track between Ocilla and Nashville except for the 10 miles of Ocilla-Fitzgerald line that it was leasing. In 1917, the Ocilla Southern also leased a line between Pope City and Hawkinsville from the Hawkinsville and Florida Southern Railway and the line between Hawkinsville and Perry from the Hawkinsville and Western Railroad. According to the 1923 Poor's Manual, the Ocilla Southern Railroad wanted to connect Atlanta to Jacksonville, Florida but only ever covered a third of that distance. In 1918, the railroad entered receivership status and by 1923 had begun abandoning most of its lines.

The crash of the Dixie Flyer
On March 25, 1911, the southbound Dixie Flyer running from Chicago, Illinois to Jacksonville, Florida crashed through a trestle over the Alapaha River, only a short distance from Ocilla. The wreck was found to have been caused by the engine driving wheel axle breaking off. The baggage and express cars, as well as two day coaches, were flung into the water, a steel-construction first class coach car was forced through the sleeper car, the engine stayed on the trestle, and the tender was derailed. Ten people perished as a result, and the line was shut down for 36 hours for all trains. The disaster is considered one of the region's worst train wrecks in history.

Geography
Ocilla is located at 31.59861°N, -83.25°W (31.598611, -83.249932).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 2.6 sqmi, of which 2.6 sqmi is land and 0.39% is water.

Demographics
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 3,498 people, 1,258 households, and 670 families residing in the city.

Irwin County School District
The Irwin County School District holds pre-school to grade twelve, and consists of one elementary school, a middle school, and a high school. The district has 123 full-time teachers and over 1,814 students.
 * Irwin County Elementary School
 * Irwin County Middle School
 * Irwin County High School

Notable people

 * Paulene Myers (November 9, 1913 - December 8, 1996) was an American actress. She was a pioneer among African–American actors who performed on Broadway stage and appeared on many television series throughout her long career. Myers' career spanned over six decades.
 * Randy Christmas (October 14, 1920 - July 27, 1969) was the mayor of Miami, Florida from 1955 to 1957. Was born in Ocilla.
 * Dennis Dove (born August 31, 1981), is a former pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals. Dove graduated from Irwin County High School in Ocilla, Georgia in 2000. He went on to Georgia Southern University and was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the third round of the 2003 amateur draft and was signed on June 30, 2003. He is currently a high school technology teacher and coach to the Jenkins County War Eagles baseball team.
 * Justin Anderson (born April 15, 1988) is an American football guard who is currently a free agent. He was selected in the seventh round, 208th overall, by the Indianapolis Colts in the 2012 NFL Draft. He played college football at Georgia. He now coaches for his hometown team, the Irwin Indians.
 * Tyler Harper, Georgia State Senator, from Ocilla.
 * Newt Hudson, Georgia state legislator, was born in Ocilla.
 * Dave Prater, of the soul duo Sam & Dave, was born in Ocilla in 1937 and grew up singing gospel in the church choir.
 * Dr. Robert Andrew Hingson, humanitarian and promoter of the Jet Injector which made mass immunization economical, lived in Ocilla from 1984 to his death in 1996.
 * Jack Smith, American football player
 * Rodney K. Miller, television host for Small Town Big Deal
 * Walt H. Sumner, outfielder and defensive back for Florida State University
 * Tara Grinstead, former Irwin County High School teacher who mysteriously disappeared.

title: Ocilla, Georgia


text:
Arcade, Georgia

Arcade is a city in Jackson County, Georgia, United States. As of the 2020 census it had a population of 1,884.

History
Arcade was chartered in 1909. Early plans to erect an arcade-style schoolhouse accounts for the name.

Geography
Arcade is located in southern Jackson County at 34.07694°N, -83.55111°W (34.076951, -83.551147). It is bordered to the north by Jefferson, the county seat.

U.S. Route 129 passes through the southern side of the city, leading northwest 7 mi to Interstate 85 in the northern outskirts of Jefferson, and southeast 15 mi to Athens. Georgia State Route 82 leads south from Arcade 14 mi to Winder.

According to the United States Census Bureau, Arcade has a total area of 22.0 km2, of which 21.8 km2 are land and 0.2 km2, or 0.90%, are water.

Arcade does not have its own ZIP code, but instead uses neighboring Jefferson's code of 30549.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,643 people, 565 households, and 457 families residing in the city. The population density was 254.2 PD/sqmi. There were 609 housing units at an average density of 94.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 88.37% White, 7.18% African American, 0.06% Native American, 2.31% Asian, 0.67% from other races, and 1.40% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.70% of the population.

There were 565 households, out of which 42.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 62.5% were married couples living together, 11.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 19.1% were non-families. 15.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 1.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.91 and the average family size was 3.19.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 29.8% under the age of 18, 8.8% from 18 to 24, 35.5% from 25 to 44, 20.8% from 45 to 64, and 5.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females, there were 102.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 104.4 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $37,604, and the median income for a family was $37,750. Males had a median income of $31,914 versus $21,602 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,159. About 11.9% of families and 12.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 14.8% of those under age 18 and 12.5% of those age 65 or over.

title: Arcade, Georgia


text:
Commerce, Georgia

Commerce is a city in Jackson County and Banks County, Georgia, 70 mi northeast of Atlanta. As of the 2020 census, the city had a population of 7,387.

Native American history
Before European settlers arrived, the area around present-day Commerce was inhabited by the Creek and the Cherokee people. Historians describe a territorial war between the Creeks and Cherokees over the land in the county during the 1770s.

The Lacoda Trail, which extended from present-day Athens to the north Georgia mountains, was a significant trade and travel route through this area. (Georgia State Route 334, which follows a 9 mi section of this ancient trail, was designated the "Lacoda Trail Memorial Parkway" by the Georgia General Assembly in 1998.)

The Cherokee ceded their disputed lands east of the Oconee River in the Treaty of Augusta (1783) and the Creeks did likewise in their own Treaty of Augusta (1783) and the Treaty of Galphinton (1785).

Early settlement
The first permanent white settlement in Jackson County began near present-day Commerce on January 20, 1784, when German immigrant William Dunson was awarded a land grant on Little Sandy Creek. The settlement was named "Groaning Rock", supposedly because of a nearby hollow rock formation that produced a moaning sound when the wind passed over it. (Descendants of William Dunson are still living on the original tract of land.)

A trading post was established by Eli Shankle near Groaning Rock in 1808, named "Harmony Grove". The common explanation is that the name is a play on his wife, Rebecca's, maiden name: Hargrove. There is also an old Appalachian hymn tune called "Harmony Grove", found in an 1830 book called The Virginia Harmony. This tune is popular today as the melody to "Amazing Grace".

The Harmony Grove Female Academy, the first all-female school chartered in the state of Georgia, was chartered by the state legislature on December 20, 1824.

The Harmony Grove post office was established on October 14, 1825; Russell Jones was its first postmaster.

On September 1, 1876, the North Eastern Railroad opened its line from Athens to Lula, which passed through the heart of Harmony Grove. The railroad line had the most significant impact on the shape of the city, which began expanding both directions along the line. These tracks are now owned by the Norfolk Southern Railway.

City history
The Harmony Grove community was officially incorporated as a town on December 24, 1884, including all areas within a one-mile radius of the railroad depot, one half mile east, and 400 yards west.

Harmony Grove Mills, Inc. was organized under the laws of Jackson County on April 3, 1893, for the purpose of processing and producing cotton textiles. It served various purposes over the years, including the manufacture of denim overalls and the earliest production of electricity in the city. The mill village created to house employees makes up a significant portion of the homes on the southeast end of Commerce today. The mill had been in operation under various corporations until the spring of 2004, when it closed operations and was sold; it has been used for warehouse storage space since, and is currently for sale. The building is still a major feature of the city.

Near the end of the 19th century, many began to feel that the name "Harmony Grove" was too long to write and sounded too much like a country village. In addition, many didn't like the fact that mail frequently went to another post office by the same name in Dawson County. Harmony Grove was reincorporated and renamed "Commerce" on August 6, 1904, in an effort to address these concerns and reflect the city's commercial dominance in the north Georgia cotton trade.

In 1959, a series of controversial town hall meetings were held to try to convince members of the federal Interstate Highway System to re-route the proposed Interstate 85, originally planned to go through Gainesville (Hall County), through Commerce and Lavonia (Franklin County). The proposal was changed, and the interstate was routed through Jackson County. Even more so than the railroad nearly a century before, this major transportation artery brought tremendous commercial advantage to Commerce, at a time it desperately needed it.

Geography
Commerce is located in northeastern Jackson County at 34.20639°N, -83.46111°W (34.206520, -83.461203). Interstate 85 runs through the northern part of the city, with access from Exits 147 and 149. I-85 leads southwest 70 mi to Atlanta and northeast 78 mi to Greenville, South Carolina. U.S. Route 441 runs along the eastern border of Commerce, leading north 27 mi to Demorest and south 19 mi to Athens.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Commerce has a total area of 30.6 km2, of which 30.3 km2 are land and 0.2 sqkm, or 0.77%, are water. Commerce sits on a drainage divide between tributaries of the Oconee River to the southwest and tributaries of the Savannah River to the northeast.

Demographics
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 7,387 people, 2,547 households, and 1,824 families residing in the city.

Education
All portions of the Commerce city limits are in the Commerce City School District.

The Commerce City School District oversees public education for pre-school to grade twelve. It consists of two elementary schools (the primary school includes a pre-school program), a middle school and a high school. As of August 2010, district has 89 full-time teachers and over 1,358 students.
 * Commerce Primary School (pre-K through 2nd grade)
 * Commerce Elementary School (3rd and 4th grades)
 * Commerce Middle School (5th through 8th)
 * Commerce High School (9th through 12th)

Jackson County School District includes areas outside of the city of Commerce.

Notable people

 * Terry Allen, former football running back in the National Football League; born in Commerce
 * Bill Anderson, country music singer, songwriter and television personality, famous for "City Lights" written in Commerce; raised in Commerce
 * Chris Beck, Major League Baseball pitcher for the Chicago White Sox
 * Clay Hendrix, current head football coach at Furman University; born in Commerce
 * Mike Bowers, former Attorney General of Georgia; born in Commerce
 * Olive Ann Burns, award-winning author of Cold Sassy Tree, a novel loosely based on her experiences growing up in Commerce
 * Spud Chandler, right-handed starting pitcher in major league baseball who played his entire career for the New York Yankees from 1937 through 1947; born in Commerce
 * Lamartine G. Hardman, served two terms as the 65th governor of the state of Georgia from 1927 to 1931; born in Commerce
 * Mary Hood, award-winning writer of predominantly Southern literature
 * Dennis Law, former NFL wide receiver

title: Commerce, Georgia


text:
Hoschton, Georgia

Hoschton is a city in Jackson County, Georgia, United States. The population was 1,377 at the 2010 census. As of 2018 the estimated population was 1,916.

History
The Georgia General Assembly incorporated the city in 1891 as the Town of Hoschton. The community was named after Russell A. Hosch, a local merchant.

Geography
Hoschton is located in western Jackson County at 34.09616°N, -83.76108°W. It is bordered to the north by the city of Braselton. Georgia State Route 53 runs through the center of town, leading northwest 12 mi to Oakwood and south 9 mi to Winder. Jefferson, the county seat, is 12 mi to the east, and Atlanta is 50 mi to the southwest.

According to the United States Census Bureau, Hoschton has a total area of 6.7 km2, of which 0.05 sqkm, or 0.79%, are water. Water bodies in Hoschton drain west and east into tributaries of the Mulberry River, part of the Oconee River watershed.

The ZIP Code for Hoschton, 30548, goes well beyond the city limits and covers part of four counties: Jackson, Gwinnett, Hall, and Barrow. Hoschton's ZIP Code is used within about 40 percent of the Braselton town limits.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,070 people, 388 households, and 304 families residing in the city. The population density was 437.2 PD/sqmi. There were 404 housing units at an average density of 165.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 93.36% White, 4.86% African American, 0.19% Native American, 0.09% Asian, 0.28% from other races, and 1.21% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.40% of the population. As of July 2009 the population is estimated at 1,612.

There were 388 households, out of which 37.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 64.2% were married couples living together, 10.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 21.4% were non-families. 17.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.76 and the average family size was 3.12.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 28.3% under the age of 18, 8.0% from 18 to 24, 30.5% from 25 to 44, 22.6% from 45 to 64, and 10.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.2 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $50,625, and the median income for a family was $57,917. Males had a median income of $40,000 versus $27,153 for females. The per capita income for the city was $22,416. About 9.5% of families and 11.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 12.5% of those under age 18 and 18.8% of those age 65 or over.

title: Hoschton, Georgia


text:
Jefferson, Georgia

Jefferson is a city and the county seat of Jackson County, Georgia, United States. The population was 13,233 at the 2020 census, up from 9,432 at the 2010 census. As of 2024 the estimated population was 17,215.

History
Jefferson was founded in 1800. That same year, the seat of Jackson County was transferred to Jefferson from Clarkesboro. Jefferson was incorporated as a town in 1806 and as a city in 1896. The city was named after Thomas Jefferson.

Geography
Jefferson is located in central Jackson County at 34.12667°N, -83.59028°W (34.126736, -83.590297). It is bordered to the northwest by Pendergrass and to the southeast by Arcade. U.S. Route 129 passes through the southwest side of the city, leading northwest 21 mi to Gainesville and southeast 19 mi to Athens. Interstate 85 runs through the northern end of Jefferson, 5 mi northwest of the center of town, with access from Exits 137 and 140. I-85 leads southwest 55 mi to Atlanta and northeast 90 mi to Greenville, South Carolina.

According to the United States Census Bureau, Jefferson has a total area of 57.0 km2, of which 56.1 sqkm are land and 0.9 sqkm, or 1.53%, are water. Curry Creek, a tributary of the North Oconee River, flows just to the east of downtown, and the Middle Oconee River runs along the western edge of the city.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States census, there were 13,233 people, 3,933 households, and 2,885 families residing in the city.

Jackson County School District

The Jackson County School District holds pre-school to grade twelve, and consists of six elementary schools, two middle schools, two high schools, and one charter school. As of December 2020, the district had a total of 8,611 students.

 * East Jackson Elementary School
 * Gum Springs Elementary School
 * Maysville Elementary School
 * North Jackson Elementary School
 * South Jackson Elementary School
 * West Jackson Elementary School
 * East Jackson Middle School
 * West Jackson Middle School
 * East Jackson Comprehensive High School
 * Jackson County Comprehensive High School
 * EMPOWER College and Career Center (charter school)

Jefferson City School District
The Jefferson City School District holds kindergarten to grade twelve, and consists of two elementary schools, a middle school, and a high school. The district has 115 full-time teachers and over 1,525 students.
 * Jefferson Elementary School
 * Jefferson Academy
 * Jefferson Middle School
 * Jefferson High School

Martin Institute
The Martin Institute was a school in Jefferson from 1818 to 1942.

Notable people

 * Chris Beck, pitcher for the New York Mets
 * Hiram Parks Bell, U.S. Representative
 * Damon Jesse Gause, World War II war hero
 * Brantley Gilbert, country music singer, songwriter
 * Crawford W. Long, physician who first used ether for surgical anesthesia
 * Brandon Mosley, former Auburn University and former New York Giants offensive lineman
 * Corey Smith, country music singer, songwriter
 * Malaki Starks, Safety for the Georgia Bulldogs

title: Jefferson, Georgia


text:
Nicholson, Georgia

Nicholson is a city in Jackson County, Georgia, United States. The population was 1,696 at the 2010 census, up from 1,247 at the 2000 census.

Nicholson is known for its "Daisy Festival" and for several famous residents, including singer Kenny Rogers. Jan Bell Webster is the mayor of Nicholson.

History
The Georgia General Assembly incorporated Nicholson as a town in 1907. It is unknown why the name "Nicholson" was applied to this community.

Geography
Nicholson is located in eastern Jackson County at 34.11472°N, -83.42944°W (34.114664, -83.429363). U.S. Route 441 runs through the center of the city, leading north 7 mi to Commerce and south 12 mi to Athens. Georgia State Route 335 leads west from Nicholson 9 mi to Jefferson, the county seat.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 10.4 km2, of which 0.04 sqkm, or 0.43%, are water. The city is on the crest of a ridge which drains west and east to tributaries of the North Oconee River.

Demographics
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 1,808 people, 523 households, and 413 families residing in the city.

title: Nicholson, Georgia


text:
Pendergrass, Georgia

Pendergrass is a city in Jackson County, Georgia, United States. The population was 1692 at the time of the 2020 census.

History
The town was chartered by an act of the Georgia Legislature on December 30, 1890. The community was named after J. B. Pendergrass, a local physician.

Geography
Pendergrass is located in northwestern Jackson County at 34.16417°N, -83.68111°W (34.164223, -83.681047).

It is bordered to the southeast by Jefferson, the county seat, and to the northwest by Talmo. U.S. Route 129 passes through the northeast side of the city, leading northwest 14 mi to Gainesville and southeast through Jefferson 24 mi to Athens.

According to the United States Census Bureau, Pendergrass has a total area of 7.9 km2, of which 0.1 sqkm, or 1.48%, are water. The city is part of the Middle Oconee River watershed.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 431 people, 156 households, and 117 families residing in the city. The population density was 212.8 PD/sqmi. There were 171 housing units at an average density of 84.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.14% White, 0.93% Native American, 0.46% from other races, and 0.46% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.18% of the population.

There were 156 households, out of which 30.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.1% were married couples living together, 11.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.0% were non-families. 17.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.76 and the average family size was 3.12.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 26.7% under the age of 18, 8.8% from 18 to 24, 28.3% from 25 to 44, 24.6% from 45 to 64, and 11.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females, there were 99.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.9 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $33,751, and the median income for a family was $37,700. Males had a median income of $23,750 versus $15,179 for females. The per capita income for the city was $11,699. About 9.3% of families and 15.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 19.3% of those under age 18 and 10.5% of those age 65 or over.

The Pendergrass library currently houses a history book of the area and the Pendergrass family.

title: Pendergrass, Georgia


text:
Talmo, Georgia

Talmo is a town in Jackson County, Georgia, United States. The population was 257 at the 2020 census.

Talmo calls itself "The Jewel of Jackson County".

History
"Talmo" is a name derived from the Creek language meaning "home of the Chief Tallassee". The Georgia General Assembly incorporated Talmo as a town in 1920.

Geography
Talmo is located in northwestern Jackson County at 34.1875°N, -83.71639°W (34.187587, -83.716387). It is bordered to the southeast by Pendergrass. U.S. Route 129 passes through the town, leading northwest 11 mi to Gainesville and southeast 10 mi to Jefferson, the Jackson county seat.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 5.5 km2, of which 0.06 sqkm, or 1.16%, are water. The town is drained by tributaries of the Middle Oconee River.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 477 people, 146 households, and 116 families residing in the town. The population density was 275.5 PD/sqmi. There were 150 housing units at an average density of 86.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 79.45% White, 4.19% African American, 0.21% Native American, 13.21% from other races, and 2.94% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 43.82% of the population.

There were 146 households, out of which 48.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.6% were married couples living together, 7.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 19.9% were non-families. 9.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 2.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.27 and the average family size was 3.41.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 32.1% under the age of 18, 13.6% from 18 to 24, 36.9% from 25 to 44, 13.0% from 45 to 64, and 4.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 26 years. For every 100 females, there were 119.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 129.8 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $30,750, and the median income for a family was $31,442. Males had a median income of $20,938 versus $15,000 for females. The per capita income for the town was $14,256. About 12.6% of families and 18.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 19.3% of those under age 18 and 6.7% of those age 65 or over.

title: Talmo, Georgia


text:
Monticello, Georgia

Monticello is the largest city in and the county seat of Jasper County, Georgia, United States. The city includes historic buildings such as the Jasper County Courthouse, Monticello High School and the Monticello Historic District. The population was 2,657 at the 2010 census. It is 56 mi southeast of Atlanta.

History
Monticello was founded in 1808 as seat of the newly formed Jasper County. The city was named after Monticello, the estate of Thomas Jefferson. It was incorporated as a town in 1810 and as a city in 1901.

Geography
Monticello is located in the center of Jasper County at 33.30333°N, -83.68583°W (33.303247, -83.685766). Georgia State Routes 11, 16, 83, and 212 all meet at the center of town. SR 11 leads north 18 mi to Mansfield and south 25 mi to Gray, SR 16 leads east 17 mi to Eatonton and west the same distance to Jackson, SR 83 leads northeast 9 mi to Shady Dale and southwest 26 mi to Forsyth, and SR 212 leads northwest 42 mi to the outskirts of Atlanta and southeast 32 mi to Milledgeville.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 8.4 km2, of which 0.07 km2, or 0.89%, are water. The city is part of the Oconee River watershed.

Demographics
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 2,541 people, 1,110 households, and 698 families residing in the city.

Jasper County School District
The Jasper County School District holds pre-school to grade twelve, and consists of two elementary schools (K-2 & 3-5 respectively), a middle school, and a high school. The district has 132 full-time teachers and over 2,181 students.
 * Jasper County Primary School
 * Washington Park Elementary School
 * Jasper County Middle School
 * Jasper County High School
 * Piedmont Academy - K3-12, co-ed, member of Georgia Independent School Association, established 1970

Historic school

 * Monticello High School - presently Thomas Persons Hall

Representation in media

 * The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings (1976) filmed many scenes in Monticello. The exteriors of buildings on the town square were remodeled to appear of the era of the movie.
 * Murder in Coweta County (1983), starring Andy Griffith, Johnny Cash, and June Carter Cash
 * Many scenes of My Cousin Vinny (1992) were set at the courthouse and town square, and other scenes were also shot in town.

Climate
The climate is characterized by relatively high temperatures and evenly distributed precipitation throughout the year. The Köppen Climate Classification subtype for this climate is "Cfa" (Humid subtropical climate).

Geology and soils
The bedrock under Monticello is an intermediate-to-mafic type on which dark red clay with dark reddish brown loam topsoil is mapped as Lloyd series.

Notable people

 * William A. Connelly, sixth Sergeant Major of the Army
 * Elizabeth Otis Dannelly (1838–1896), poet
 * Rob Evan, singer, actor in many Broadway musicals, including The Dream Engine
 * Willis Flournoy, Negro league baseball player
 * Luke Gallows, professional wrestler
 * Susan Holmes, politician; first female mayor of Monticello
 * Buckshot Jones, NASCAR driver
 * Ulysses Norris, University of Georgia football player; seven-year NFL career with the Detroit Lions (five years) and Buffalo Bills (two years)
 * John Gill Shorter, 17th governor of Alabama
 * Sherry Smith, Major League Baseball player, pitched in two World Series
 * Odell Thurman, University of Georgia and NFL football player
 * Trisha Yearwood, country singer

title: Monticello, Georgia


text:
Shady Dale, Georgia

Shady Dale is a town in Jasper County, Georgia, United States. The population was 249 at the 2010 census.

History
Shady Dale was founded ca. 1880 on the site of a former Creek Indian settlement. The name "Shady Dale" was descriptively applied.

The Georgia General Assembly incorporated Shady Dale as a town in 1889.

Geography
Shady Dale is located in northeastern Jasper County at 33.39944°N, -83.59°W (33.399562, -83.589937). Georgia State Routes 83 and 142 intersect in the center of town. GA 83 leads northeast 17 mi to Madison and southwest 8 mi to Monticello, the Jasper county seat, while GA 142 leads northwest 11 mi to Newborn and southeast 9 mi to Willard.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 2.3 km2, of which 7479 sqm, or 0.33%, are water. The east side of town drains toward the Little River, a tributary of the Oconee River, while the west side drains to Murder Creek, a tributary of the Little River.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 242 people, 88 households, and 60 families residing in the town. The population density was 290.2 PD/sqmi. There were 89 housing units at an average density of 106.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 65.29% White, 28.10% African American, 6.61% from other races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 6.61% of the population.

There were 88 households, out of which 29.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.8% were married couples living together, 10.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.7% were non-families. 28.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.75 and the average family size was 3.41.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 27.7% under the age of 18, 7.9% from 18 to 24, 26.9% from 25 to 44, 25.2% from 45 to 64, and 12.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 101.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.2 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $35,469, and the median income for a family was $36,042. Males had a median income of $31,000 versus $21,607 for females. The per capita income for the town was $10,791. About 10.5% of families and 14.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 14.3% of those under the age of eighteen and 19.2% of those 65 or over.

Arts and culture
The town is well known for an annual professional rodeo the first weekend in June each year since 1983. Sanctioned by the I.P.R.A./S.R.A., this rodeo draws champion cowboys and cowgirls from all over the United States. The entire town comes to life with a rodeo parade, wagon train ride and community festival. The event is produced by Walton No. 200 and Jasper No. 50 Masonic Lodges of Jasper County with proceeds benefiting several Masonic charities.

title: Shady Dale, Georgia


text:
Denton, Georgia

Denton is a city in Jeff Davis County, Georgia, United States. The population was 189 in 2020.

History
The Georgia General Assembly incorporated the place in 1911 as the "Town of Denton". The community most likely was named after Samuel Denton, an early settler.

Geography
Denton is located at 31.72278°N, -82.69639°W (31.722663, -82.696323).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.5 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
In 2020, its population was 189, down from 250 in 2010.

title: Denton, Georgia


text:
Hazlehurst, Georgia

Hazlehurst is a city in and the county seat of Jeff Davis County, Georgia, United States. The population was 4,088 in 2020.

History
Hazlehurst was founded circa 1880 as a depot on the Macon and Brunswick Railroad. The community was named for railroad surveyor Col. George Hazlehurst.

Geography
Hazlehurst is located in southeast Georgia, and is served by U.S. routes 23, 221 and 341.

Demographics
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 4,088 people, 1,494 households, and 894 families residing in the city.

Jeff Davis County School District
The Jeff Davis County School District consists of two elementary schools, a middle school, and a high school. The district has 210 classroom teachers and 3,075 students.
 * Jeff Davis Elementary School
 * Jeff Davis Primary School
 * Jeff Davis Middle School
 * Jeff Davis High School

title: Hazlehurst, Georgia


text:
Avera, Georgia

Avera is a city in Jefferson County, Georgia, United States. As of the 2020 census, the city had a population of 223. The city was incorporated in 1900.

Geography
Avera is located at 33.195°N, -82.5275°W (33.194988, -82.527503). According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.6 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
At the 2000 census there were 217 people in 99 households, including 60 families, in the city. In 2020, its population was 223.

title: Avera, Georgia


text:
Bartow, Georgia

Bartow is a town in Jefferson County, Georgia, United States. As of the 2020 census, the city had a population of 186. Initially the town was known as "Spier's Turnout", but was changed to honor the first Confederate officer to die in battle, Colonel Francis S. Bartow of Savannah, Georgia, who was killed at the Battle of Manassas, Virginia on July 21, 1861.

Geography
Bartow is located at 32.88111°N, -82.47222°W (32.881111, -82.472222).

Notable person

 * Robby Wells, American college football coach and politician

title: Bartow, Georgia


text:
Louisville, Georgia

Louisville is a city in and the county seat of Jefferson County, Georgia, United States, and also a former state capital of Georgia. It is located southwest of Augusta on the Ogeechee River, and its population was 2,493 at the 2010 census, down from 2,712 at the 2000 census. By 2020, its population was 2,381. Its name is pronounced "Lewis-ville", though it and the differently pronounced city in Kentucky were both named for Louis XVI.

History
Louisville was incorporated on January 26, 1786, as the prospective state capital, though it did not become so for a decade. Savannah had served as the colonial capital, but was considered too far from the center of population in the growing state, and Augusta became the state capital in the 1780s.

Louisville was named for Louis XVI, who had aided the Continentals during the American Revolutionary War and was still the King of France when the decision to incorporate the city was made. Development of the city took years, and its state government buildings were completed in 1795. An old Revolutionary War soldiers' cemetery is located on the western side of town.

The city of Louisville served as the state capital of Georgia from 1796 to 1806. It was a center of trade, legislators, and political influence. The Jefferson County courthouse, built in 1904, stands on the site of Georgia's first permanent capitol building.

Louisville's historic open-sided market house, Old Market, (Old Slave Market) still stands in the center of downtown. The original market had sections for sales of farm produce, household goods, and enslaved African Americans. The caption of a 1934 photograph in the Library of Congress proves the sale of enslaved Black people happened at this market, with details. The Old Market is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Roads and other transportation routes intersected at the market square, the hub of the region when the town was the state capital. The state capital was moved to Milledgeville and later to Atlanta, in the Piedmont.

As a small city and county seat, Louisville now has few major businesses and industries. A marker dedicated to the Yazoo land scandal of the 18th century is located in front of the Jefferson County Courthouse. Queensborough National Bank and Trust Company was founded in 1902 and is currently headquartered in Louisville, on U.S. Highway 1.

Geography
Louisville is located slightly south of the center of Jefferson County. U.S. Route 1 passes through the east side of the city, leading northeast 46 mi to Augusta and south 30 mi to Swainsboro. U.S. Route 221 passes through the north side of downtown as Peachtree Street and leads southwest 10 mi to Bartow. US-221 leaves Louisville to the north, running with US-1 15 mi to Wrens before continuing north toward Harlem.

According to the United States Census Bureau, Louisville has a total area of 9.5 sqkm, of which 9.3 sqkm are land and 0.2 sqkm, or 1.93%, are water. The western city boundary follows Rocky Comfort Creek, which flows into the Ogeechee River at the city limits' southwest corner. The Ogeechee flows to the Atlantic Ocean south of Savannah.

Demographics
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 2,381 people, 897 households, and 606 families residing in the city.

Jefferson County School District
The Jefferson County School District holds pre-school to grade twelve, and consists of two elementary schools, two middle schools, a high school, and an academy school. The district has 199 full-time teachers and over 3,526 students.
 * Louisville Academy
 * Carver Elementary School
 * Wrens Elementary School
 * Jefferson County Middle School
 * Jefferson County High School

Private education

 * Thomas Jefferson Academy

title: Louisville, Georgia


text:
Stapleton, Georgia

Stapleton is a city in Jefferson County, Georgia, United States. The population was 402 in 2020.

History
An early variant name was "Spread". The Georgia General Assembly incorporated the place as the "Town of Spread" in 1903. Stapleton derives its current name from Colonel James Stapleton.

Geography
Stapleton is located in northwestern Jefferson County at 33.21583°N, -82.46806°W (33.215877, -82.468007). Georgia State Route 102 passes through the center of town as Main Street, leading east 4.5 mi to Wrens and west 4 mi to Avera. State Route 296 (Harvey Street and George Street) crosses SR-102 in the center of Stapleton, leading northeast 5 mi to SR-17 in Warren County and south 16 mi to Louisville, the Jefferson county seat.

According to the United States Census Bureau, Stapleton has a total area of 4.5 km2, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 318 people, 110 households, and 80 families residing in the city. By 2020, its population was 402.

title: Stapleton, Georgia


text:
Wadley, Georgia

Wadley is a city in Jefferson County, Georgia, United States. The population was 1,643 in 2020.

History
The community was named for William Morill Wadley, a railroad official.

The Georgia General Assembly incorporated Wadley as a town in 1876. It was incorporated as a city in 1970.

Geography
Wadley is located at 32.87056°N, -82.40389°W (32.870491, -82.403756).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 4.6 sqmi, of which 4.6 sqmi is land and 0.1 sqmi (1.09%) is water.

Demographics
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 1,643 people, 654 households, and 381 families residing in the city.

title: Wadley, Georgia


text:
Wrens, Georgia

Wrens is a city in Jefferson County, Georgia, United States. The population was 2,217 at the 2020 census. It is located on U.S. Route 1, thirty miles south of Augusta.

History
Wrens was laid out in 1884 when the railroad was extended to that point, and named after W.J. Wren, an early settler and merchant.

The Georgia General Assembly incorporated Wrens as a town in 1901. Wrens was incorporated again as a city in 1970.

Geography
Wrens is located at 33.20817°N, -82.38752°W. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 3.0 sqmi, of which 3.0 sqmi is land and 0.33% is water.

Demographics
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 2,217 people, 880 households, and 591 families residing in the city.

Notable people

 * Erskine Caldwell, author of Tobacco Road and God's Little Acre
 * Dr. Molly Howard, 2008 National Principal of the Year, Secondary School
 * Bruce Kelly, landscape architect who created the John Lennon memorial Strawberry Fields in Central Park, New York
 * Henry Johnson, former NFL linebacker, Minnesota Vikings
 * Mark "M.V." Oliphant, actor, BMF on Starz,Tyler Perry's For Better or Worse, TV One's Fatal Attraction
 * Fernando Velasco, NFL center for the Tennessee Titans

title: Wrens, Georgia


text:
Millen, Georgia

Millen is a city, and the county seat of Jenkins County, Georgia, United States. The population was 3,120 at the 2010 census, down from 3,492 at the 2000 census.

The city is intersected by U.S. Route 25 and State Route 17.

History
Millen was first settled in 1835 along the border of what was then Burke and Screven counties. It was originally named "79" due to its approximate distance in miles from the coastal city of Savannah. Planters cultivated cotton as a commodity crop.

In 1854, the Central of Georgia Railway and the Georgia Railroad connected at 79. The town became known as "Millen's Junction" after McPherson B. Millen, the superintendent of the Central of Georgia Railway.

During the Civil War, a site for a prisoner-of-war camp to house Union soldiers was chosen about five miles from Millen's Junction. Camp Lawton included a hospital, fort and officer housing and had about 8,600 prisoners confined there on 14 November 1864, according to a detailed camp map made by a former prisoner. It was built in what is today Magnolia Springs State Park, because the location was favorable due to the springs providing potable water and its proximity to the Augusta and Savannah Railroad. On December 3, 1864, Sherman's March to the Sea passed through Millen. Prior to the arrival of Union forces, Confederate soldiers evacuated the Camp Lawton prisoners to Savannah. The Union soldiers destroyed Millen's Junction after finding the prison camp and to avoid use of the railway junction.

The town was rebuilt after the war. In 1881, the city of Millen was incorporated by an act of the Georgia State Legislature, becoming the county seat of the newly created Jenkins County in 1905. The summer of 1919 was called the Red Summer due to a number of race riots throughout America. Millen did not escape this and white mobs burned down and killed a number of people in Millen during the Jenkins County, Georgia, riot of 1919.

The Downtown Millen Historic District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1996. The county is largely rural and agricultural.

Geography
Millen is the only incorporated municipality in Jenkins County. It is located on the east side of the Ogeechee River. U.S. Route 25 passes through the west side of the city, leading north 20 mi to Waynesboro and south 29 mi to Statesboro. Georgia State Route 17 passes through the center of the city, entering from the west as Winthrope Avenue and leaving to the south as Masonic Street. SR-17 leads northwest 35 mi to Louisville and southeast 77 mi to Savannah. State Route 21 bypasses Millen to the northeast, ending at US 25 at the northern city limit. SR-21 leads east 20 mi to Sylvania.

According to the United States Census Bureau, Millen has a total area of 9.3 km2, of which 0.06 sqkm, or 0.67%, are water.

Demographics
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 2,966 people, 1,113 households, and 563 families residing in the city.

Jenkins County School District
The Jenkins County School District holds pre-school to grade twelve, and consists of one elementary school, one middle school, and one high school. The district has 119 full-time teachers and over 1,754 students.
 * Jenkins County Elementary School
 * Jenkins County Middle School
 * Jenkins County High School

Notable people

 * Jim Busby, Major League Baseball player who retired to Millen after his coaching career was over.
 * Nathan Deal, 82nd governor of Georgia, born in Millen
 * Melvin E. Thompson, 70th governor of Georgia, born in Millen
 * Kountry Wayne, comedian, TV & film actor, and content creator born and raised in Millen.

title: Millen, Georgia


text:
Kite, Georgia

Kite is a city in Johnson County, Georgia, United States, along the Little Ohoopee River. The population was 160 in 2020.

History
The town was named after Shaderick Kight, who donated the land to build the town. He requested the simpler spelling of the name for more efficient mail delivery and processing.

The Georgia General Assembly incorporated Kite in 1891.

Geography
Kite is located in eastern Johnson County at 32.69139°N, -82.51528°W (32.691472, -82.515378). U.S. Route 221 passes through the center of town as Montgomery Street, leading north 14 mi to Bartow and south 25 mi to Soperton. Georgia State Route 57 (Kight Road) crosses US 221 in the center of Kite, leading west 12 mi to Wrightsville, the Johnson county seat, and southeast 13 mi to Swainsboro.

According to the United States Census Bureau, Kite has a total area of 2.1 km2, of which 0.01 sqkm, or 0.63%, are water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 241 people, 108 households, and 68 families residing in the town. By 2020, its population declined to 160.

title: Kite, Georgia


text:
Wrightsville, Georgia

Wrightsville is a city in and the county seat of Johnson County, Georgia, United States. The population was 2,195 at the 2010 census, down from 2,223 at the 2000 census. By 2020, its population grew to 3,449. The city limits include Johnson State Prison on the northeast side of town. Wrightsville is part of the Dublin Micropolitan Statistical Area.

History
The Georgia General Assembly incorporated Wrightsville in 1866. The community was named after John B. Wright, a town promoter.

Geography
Wrightsville is located west of the center of Johnson County at 32.725°N, -82.72028°W (32.725126, -82.720289). U.S. Route 319 passes through the city center on Elm Street; it leads northeast 19 mi to Bartow and southwest 18 mi to Dublin. State Routes 15 and 57 also pass through the center of Wrightsville. SR-15 leads north 19 mi to Sandersville and southeast 17 mi to Adrian, while SR-57 leads west 37 mi to Irwinton and southeast 25 mi to Swainsboro.

According to the United States Census Bureau, Wrightsville has a total area of 9.3 km2, of which 9.1 km2 are land and 0.2 km2, or 2.20%, are water. The city is drained by tributaries of the Ohoopee River.

Demographics
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 3,449 people, 1,148 households, and 631 families residing in the city.

Johnson County School District
The Johnson County School District holds pre-school to grade twelve, and consists of one elementary school, one middle school, and one high school. The district has 86 full-time teachers and over 1,384 students.
 * Johnson County Elementary School
 * Johnson County Middle School
 * Johnson County High School

Arts and culture
The Old Fashioned Fourth of July Festival has been held in the small town of Wrightsville since 1976. It starts on the eve of July 4 with a fireworks show. This is followed by a street dance on the courthouse square. The festivities continue the next morning with a parade of various floats created by churches and businesses in the community. There is a contest for the winning float design. Following the parade, there are various booths and vendors set up downtown.

Notable people

 * J. Roy Rowland, Congressman from 1983 to 1995
 * Herschel Walker

title: Wrightsville, Georgia


text:
Gray, Georgia

Gray is a city in Jones County, Georgia, United States. The population was 3,276 at the 2010 census, up from 1,811 at the 2000 census. In 2020, its population was 3,436. The city is the county seat of Jones County. It is part of the Macon metropolitan area.

History
Gray was founded in the 1850s and named for local resident James M. Gray. In 1905, the seat of Jones County was transferred to Gray.

Geography
Gray is located in central Jones County at °N, °W. U.S. Route 129 passes through the center of town, leading northeast 25 mi to Eatonton and southwest 14 mi to Macon. Monticello is 25 mi to the northwest via State Route 11, Milledgeville is 19 mi to the east via State Route 22, and Gordon is 15 mi to the southeast via State Route 18.

According to the United States Census Bureau, Gray has a total area of 10.1 km2, of which 0.03 km2, or 0.34%, are water. Gray is drained to the west by tributaries of Walnut Creek, flowing to the Ocmulgee River, and to the east by tributaries of Commissioner Creek, flowing to the Oconee River.

Demographics
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 3,436 people, 1,219 households, and 798 families residing in the city.

Jones County School District
The Jones County School District holds pre-school to grade twelve, and consists of four elementary schools, two middle schools, and one high school. The district has 295 full-time teachers and over 5,014 students.
 * Dames Ferry Elementary School
 * Turnerwoods Elementary School
 * Gray Elementary School
 * Mattie Wells Elementary School
 * Gray Station Middle School
 * Clifton Ridge Middle School
 * Jones County High School

title: Gray, Georgia


text:
Aldora, Georgia

Aldora is a town in Lamar County, Georgia, United States. As of the 2020 census, the city had a recorded population of 0, due to a "0 percent self-response rate" to the 2020 census. The actual population was estimated at 103.

History
The Georgia General Assembly incorporated Aldora as a town in 1906.

Geography
Aldora is located in south-central Lamar County at 33.04917°N, -84.17556°W (33.049078, -84.175552). It is bordered to the east by Barnesville, the county seat.

Georgia State Route 18 passes through the south side of the town, leading east into Barnesville and west 14 mi to Zebulon. U.S. Route 41 and State Route 7 form the eastern border of the town; US-41/SR-7 leads north 16 mi to Griffin and east the same distance to Forsyth.

According to the United States Census Bureau, Aldora has a total area of 0.66 km2, of which 0.62 sqkm are land and 0.04 sqkm, or 6.50%, are water. The town drains west to Little Potato Creek, a tributary of Potato Creek and part of the Flint River watershed.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 98 people, 43 households, and 30 families residing in the town. The population density was 298.1 PD/sqmi. There were 45 housing units at an average density of 136.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 100.00% White.

There were 43 households, out of which 23.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.1% were married couples living together, 11.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.2% were non-families. 27.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 18.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.28 and the average family size was 2.73.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 19.4% under the age of 18, 4.1% from 18 to 24, 22.4% from 25 to 44, 28.6% from 45 to 64, and 25.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 50 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.7 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $22,083, and the median income for a family was $22,083. Males had a median income of $20,625 versus $19,583 for females. The per capita income for the town was $10,693. There were 10.7% of families and 11.8% of the population living below the poverty line, including 25.0% of under eighteens and 16.7% of those over 64.

title: Aldora, Georgia


text:
Barnesville, Georgia

Barnesville is a city in Lamar County, Georgia, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 6,755, up from 5,972 at the 2000 census. The city is the county seat of Lamar County and is part of the Atlanta metropolitan area.

Barnesville is located 37 miles northwest of Macon and 60 miles south of Atlanta.

Barnesville was once dubbed the "Buggy Capital of the South", as the town produced about 9,000 buggies a year around the turn of the 20th century. Each year in the third week of September the town hosts an annual Buggy Days celebration.

History
Barnesville was founded in 1826 and named for Gideon Barnes, proprietor of a local tavern. In 1920, Barnesville was designated seat of the newly formed Lamar County.

Barnesville served as a major hospital site for wounded southern troops during the Civil War. Local families took wounded soldiers into their homes and treated them, with highly successful recovery rates. Major General William B. Bate, CSA of Hardees Corps., wounded in Atlanta at Utoy Creek on August 10, 1864, was treated here. After the war, General Bate was elected governor of Tennessee and served in the United States Senate until his death in 1912. He commented on his successful recovery as a result of the kindness of the local populace in Barnesville.

Notable weather events
On the morning of April 28, 2011, at 12:38 A.M., a tornado rated EF3 on the Enhanced Fujita Scale with 140 mph winds touched down in Pike County, 4 mi south of Meansville. The tornado went on to destroy several homes in Barnesville. Two deaths occurred in Barnesville along Grove Street. The tornado also destroyed a Chevron gas station and a church in Barnesville. Three tractor trailers were blown off Interstate 75 at approximately 1:02 A.M. This tornado was part of the 2011 Super Outbreak.

Geography
Barnesville is located south of the center of Lamar County at 33.05306°N, -84.15611°W (33.053090, -84.156217). U.S. Route 41 passes through the western, southern, and eastern outskirts of the city on a bypass; the highway leads northwest 16 mi to Griffin and east 13 mi to Forsyth. U.S. Route 341 branches off US 41 on the south side of Barnesville and leads southeast 53 mi to Perry, where it rejoins US 41. Georgia State Route 18 follows US 41 around the southern and eastern sides of Barnesville but leads west 11 mi to Zebulon. State Route 36 follows the western side of the Barnesville bypass and leads northeast 22 mi to Jackson and southwest 16 mi to Thomaston.

According to the United States Census Bureau, Barnesville has a total area of 15.9 km2, of which 15.73 km2 are land and 0.12 sqkm, or 0.78%, are water.

Barnesville sits on a low ridge at an elevation of 850 ft above sea level. Hog Mountain rises above the city to the north, with a summit elevation of 1015 ft. The north side of the city drains via Big Towaliga Creek to the Little Towaliga River, the Towaliga River, and eventually the Ocmulgee River. The east side drains via Tobesofkee Creek to the Ocmulgee south of Macon. The south end of the city drains via Tobler Creek to the Flint River, and the west side drains via Little Potato Creek, then Potato Creek, to the Flint River. Because the Ocmulgee River ultimately drains to the Atlantic Ocean and the Flint River ultimately to the Gulf of Mexico, Barnesville sits on the Eastern Continental Divide.

Demographics
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 6,292 people, 2,056 households, and 1,028 families residing in the city.

Lamar County School District
The Lamar County School District holds pre-school to grade twelve, and consists of two elementary schools, a middle school, and a high school. The district has 143 full-time teachers and over 2,600 students.
 * Lamar County Elementary School
 * Lamar County Primary School
 * Lamar County Middle School
 * Lamar County Comprehensive High School

Private education

 * St. George's Episcopal School (K-12)
 * Rock Springs Christian Academy
 * Covenant Heart Academy

Higher education

 * Gordon State College

Annual events and festivals
The Barnesville-Lamar County Chamber of Commerce hosts three annual festivals each year.

 * The BBQ & Blues Festival is held the last weekend in April and features an FBA(Florida Barbeque Association) certified cooking competition, food vendors, arts and crafts vendors, and live entertainment throughout the weekend.
 * The Summer in the Sticks Country Music Concert is held the 3rd Saturday in July and features live bands, food vendors, and arts and crafts vendors.

 * The Buggy Days Festival celebrates Barnesville's heritage as the Buggy Capital of the South during the late 1800s. Buggy Days is held on the third full weekend in September.

Music
Barnesville was the location of an auto accident that killed 16-year-old Jeanette Clark, who was on a date with J.L. Hancock, also 16, on December 22, 1962. This accident was rumored to be the inspiration of the hit song "Last Kiss" written by Wayne Cochran, Joe Carpenter, Randall Hoyal & Bobby McGlon (1961). Hancock was driving a 1954 Chevrolet on the Saturday before Christmas with some friends. In heavy traffic on U.S. Highway 341 their car hit a tractor-trailer carrying a load of logs. Clark, Hancock and Wayne Cooper were killed. Cochran lived on Georgia's Route 19/41 when he wrote "Last Kiss", only 15 miles away from the crash site. He rerecorded "Last Kiss" for release on King Records in 1963 and dedicated it to Clark, a fact which probably explains the association of the song with the tragic crash.

Television
The 2018 HBO miniseries Sharp Objects, starring Amy Adams, filmed many of its exterior scenes for the fictional town of Wind Gap, Missouri, in Barnesville and the surrounding area. A large mural reading "Welcome to Wind Gap" remains in the town painted by artist Andrew Patrick Henry.

Notable people

 * Wayne Cochran - musician
 * Franklin Delano Floyd - American murderer
 * Louise Smith - NASCAR driver
 * John T. Walker - Bishop of Washington
 * Craig Ogletree - NFL Athlete

title: Barnesville, Georgia


text:
Milner, Georgia

Milner is a city in Lamar County, Georgia, United States. The population was 610 at the 2010 census, up from 522 at the 2000 census. Milner is part of Metro Atlanta.

History
The community founded in 1912 and was named after Willis R Milner, a pioneer citizen.

Geography
Milner is located in northwestern Lamar County at 33.11306°N, -84.195°W (33.112941, -84.195017). U.S. Route 41 passes through the southwest side of the city, leading southeast 5 mi to Barnesville, the Lamar county seat, and northwest 11 mi to Griffin.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 5.4 km2, all land. The city sits on the Eastern Continental Divide, with the east side draining via Prairie Creek and Edie Creek to the Little Towaliga River, the Towaliga River, the Ocmulgee River, and ultimately the Atlantic Ocean, while the west side drains via Grape Creek to Potato Creek, the Flint River, and ultimately the Gulf of Mexico.

Demographics
Milner first appeared in the 1880 U.S. census and was part of Pike County until Lamar County was formed in 1920.

As of the census of 2000, there were 522 people, 189 households, and 145 families residing in the city. The population density was 372.0 PD/sqmi. There were 201 housing units at an average density of 143.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 72.61% White, 26.44% African American, 0.19% Native American, 0.57% Asian, and 0.19% from two or more races.

There were 189 households, out of which 34.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.3% were married couples living together, 15.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 22.8% were non-families. 21.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.76 and the average family size was 3.19.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 27.2% under the age of 18, 10.2% from 18 to 24, 30.5% from 25 to 44, 22.0% from 45 to 64, and 10.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 89.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.2 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $42,222, and the median income for a family was $44,375. Males had a median income of $31,328 versus $19,625 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,819. About 6.5% of families and 6.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.9% of those under age 18 and 5.0% of those age 65 or over.

title: Milner, Georgia


text:
Lakeland, Georgia

Lakeland is a city and the county seat of Lanier County, Georgia, United States. The city is the county seat of Lanier County. It is part of the Valdosta, Georgia metropolitan statistical area. The population was 2,875 at the 2020 census.

Originally called Alapaha and then Milltown or Mill Town, Lakeland received its current name in 1925 in honor of its proximity to Grand Bay Lake, Lake Irma, and Banks Lake. For many years, Lakeland owned and operated its own railroad.

The town has an array of festival all year long, including Market Day & ‘LA DAY. This is a celebration among the African Americans of the surrounding counties to come and enjoy vendors and music, though usually called off by nightfall by local law enforcement. The town also is one of the few cities in Georgia with murals of both slaves & plantation owners.

History
By the late 1830s, a community known as Alapaha had come into existence along the road from Waresboro, Georgia to Troupville, Georgia near the mill established by Joshua Lee on what is now Banks Lake National Wildlife Refuge. In 1838, a post office was established and was officially named Alapaha after the nearby Alapaha River. In 1848, Joshua Lee sold his mill to William Lastinger. In the 1850s, additional mills were established in the area and the population of the community continued to grow. In 1857, Alapaha was renamed Milltown. During the American Civil, William Lastinger sold his mill to Henry Banks. Milltown was incorporated in 1901. In 1919, Milltown was designated seat of the newly formed Lanier County. In 1928, the city was incorporated and renamed to its present form of Lakeland.

Geography
Lakeland is located at 31.03917°N, -83.07028°W (31.039214, -83.070397).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 3.1 sqmi, of which 3.1 sqmi is land and 0.04 sqmi (1.28%) is water.

Demographics
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 2,875 people, 997 households, and 631 families residing in the city.

Education
The Lanier County School District holds grades pre-school to grade twelve, and consists of two elementary schools, a middle school, and a high school. The district has 94 full-time teachers and over 1,345 students.
 * Lanier County Primary School
 * Lanier County Elementary School
 * Lanier County Middle School
 * Lanier County High School

The South Georgia Regional Library operates the W. L. Miller Memorial Library in Lakeland. Initially the community was served by a library that was only open during school periods, and therefore people in the community considered it to be a school library rather than a complete community library. This small library opened in the courthouse office of the superintendent of the county school system in 1950. It was relocated to the Lanier County Primary School's Kindergarten building and then to a portion of Lanier County High School. The first standalone library, then the Lanier-Lakeland Library, opened on May 18, 1980. The current facility, built as part of a State of Georgia grant-funded library wave and partially financed by the W. L. Miller family through a $45,000 donation, opened on March 13, 1988. It was renovated from August 9 through August 23 in 2012.

title: Lakeland, Georgia


text:
Cadwell, Georgia

Cadwell is a town in Laurens County, Georgia, United States. The population was 381 in 2020.

History
The Georgia General Assembly incorporated the place as the "Town of Cadwell" in 1907. The community was named after Matthew and Rebecca Cadwell, the original owners of the town site.

Geography
Cadwell is located in southwestern Laurens County at 32.34028°N, -83.0425°W (32.340353, -83.042462). Georgia State Route 117 passes through the town as its Main Street; via SR 117 it is 17 mi northeast to Dublin, the county seat, and 13 mi southwest to Eastman. State Route 126 passes through the center of Cadwell as Burch Street; it leads northwest 8 mi to Chester and southeast 22 mi to Alamo.

According to the United States Census Bureau, Cadwell has a total area of 3.3 km2, of which 0.08 sqkm, or 2.52%, are water. The west side of the town drains to Bay Creek, a south-flowing tributary of Alligator Creek and part of the Ocmulgee River watershed. The east side drains via Long Branch to Lime Sink Creek, a tributary of Alligator Creek and the Ocmulgee.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 329 people, 136 households, and 93 families residing in the town. By 2020, its population was 381.

title: Cadwell, Georgia


text:
Dexter, Georgia

Dexter is a town in Laurens County, Georgia, United States. As of 2020, its population was 655.

History
The first permanent settlement at Dexter was made in 1889. A post office has been in operation at Dexter since 1890. The Georgia General Assembly incorporated the place in 1891 as the "Town of Dexter".

Geography
Dexter is located in western Laurens County at 32.43444°N, -83.05889°W (32.434580, -83.058904). Georgia State Route 257 is the town's Main Street; the highway leads northeast 12 mi to Dublin, the county seat, and southwest 6 mi to Chester. State Route 338 leads north 9 mi to Dudley and south 7 mi to Cadwell.

According to the United States Census Bureau, Dexter has a total area of 2.0 km2, of which 0.05 km2, or 2.31%, are water. The town sits on a low ridge between Boggy Branch to the north and Stitchihatchie Creek to the south. Both streams flow northeast to Rocky Creek, part of the Oconee River watershed.

Demographics
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 655 people, 271 households, and 215 families residing in the town.

title: Dexter, Georgia