Fitzgerald (Georgia)

Ben Hill County Irwin County

13-29528

Fitzgerald is a town with 8758 inhabitants ( 2000) in the U.S. state of Georgia. It is located in Ben Hill County and is its administrative center.

Geography

Fitzgerald is on the southern border of Ben Hill County. A small portion in the south of the city is already in the field of Irwin County. The nearby towns are Little House Creek, Ocilla and Irwinville. The nearest major town, Albany, located about 102 kilometers to the west, the capital of Georgia, Atlanta, about 280 miles northwest. The city covers an area of 18.9 km ².

Population

In 2000 8758 people lived in the city, of which 45.5 % men and 54.5 % women. Compared to the 1990 census, the population declined by 1.6%. The average age is 34.9 years. 19.3 % of residents are African American and 47.3 % White. In 1999, the average annual per capita income was $ 12,775, considerably lower than the U.S. average ( $ 21,587 ). Approximately 31.6 % of the total population and 26.7 % of families are below the poverty line. Thus, the share of the poor is much higher than the national average.

History

The city was founded in 1896 by Philander H. Fitzgerald. After the Civil War, veterans of the formerly hostile armies were settled here. From this time, the city still in use today nickname " Colony City " comes from. The streets were named equally by soldiers of the North and South. Upon completion of the Benn -Hill County in 1906, Fitzgerald became its capital.

Public institutions

The city has several public schools, including a high school and a college, the East Central Technical Institute (until 1996: Ben Hill - Irwin Area Vocational Institute ). Furthermore, there is a court, a prison, a town hall, post office and a public library, the Fitzgerald - Ben Hill County Library, on site.

Culture and sights

The historic courthouse from 1909 as well as the Old Town district are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The former railroad depot now houses the Blue and Grey Museum with exhibits from the time of the Civil War.

Personalities

Forrest Towns ( born February 6, 1914 in Fitzgerald, † April 9, 1991 in Athens), Athlete