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Welcome to Southwest GA
Southwest, Georgia
Southwest Georgia Southwest, GA
Your complete guide to the merchants,
activities & services of
Southwest, Georgia
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Dougherty County, Georgia
| County Formed |
December 15, 1853 |
| County
Seat |
Albany |
| Incorporated Cities |
Albany |
| Total
Area |
329.7 square miles |
| History |
Dougherty County was created in
1853 from part of Baker County. Georgia's 102nd county was named for Charles
Dougherty of Athens, a judge of the Western Circuit and a popular advocate of
state rights.
Albany has several sites listed on
the National Register of Historic Places. Among them are St. Teresa's Catholic
Church, built in 1859 and the oldest Catholic Church in continuous use in
Georgia, and Heritage Plaza, a collection of historic buildings and educational
facilities.
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| Points
of Interest |
Radium Springs is located within
the county just south of Albany. The springs are the largest in Georgia,
discharging 70,000 gallons of 68 degree water each minute. The springs received
its current name in 1925 when the spring water tested was found to contain
traces of radium isotopes. During the 1920s a club casino was operated on the
banks of the springs.
Dougherty County, which has more
pecan trees than any other county in the nation, is a strong contributor to
south Georgia's claim as the pecan capital of the world.
Dougherty and Lee counties share
Chehaw Wild Animal Park, a 100-acre wildlife preserve where native and exotic
animals move about freely in natural habitats.
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| Notable Citizens |
Some notable Albany natives
include naturalist Jim Fowler and former major league baseball player Ray
Knight. LPGA great Nancy Lopez also makes her home in Albany. Dougherty County
was also home to Alice Coachman, the first African American woman to win an
Olympic gold medal. Coachman, who grew up in Albany, won the high jump
competition in 1948. |
| Education |
Albany State University
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| Annual
Events |
Annual events in Albany and
Dougherty County include the Flint River Fall Festival in October and the
Celebrity Quail Hunt in February. |
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Cities and Towns In Dougherty County
(County Seat)
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