Fitzgerald, Georgia 2025
Sure, here's the latest general information about the city of Fitzgerald in the state of Georgia, USA:
1. Population: The population of Fitzgerald, Georgia, as of the 2020 US Census, is approximately 9,465. The city has a total area of 5.5 square miles, with a population density of 1,767.1 people per square mile.
2. Culture: Fitzgerald is a small community with a rich history and culture. The city hosts various festivals and events throughout the year, including the Fitzgerald Purple Hull Pea Festival, which celebrates the city's signature crop. The city also has a strong military heritage, with the 117th Field Artillery Regiment of the Georgia Army National Guard based in Fitzgerald.
3. Special Events:
* Fitzgerald Purple Hull Pea Festival: Every June, the city hosts the Fitzgerald Purple Hull Pea Festival, a three-day event that celebrates the city's pea industry. The festival features live music, food, craft vendors, and a pea-shelling contest.
* Christmas in the Country Celebration: The city celebrates the holiday season with a festive parade, holiday market, and activities for kids.
* Summer concert series: During the summer months, the city hosts a series of free concerts in the park, featuring local and regional musicians.
4. Local Attractions:
* Blue and Gray Museum of Fitzgerald: The museum showcases the history of Fitzgerald and the surrounding area, including exhibits on the city's pea industry, military heritage, and railroad history.
* Georgia Pea Festival Fairgrounds: The fairgrounds host various events throughout the year, including the annual Purple Hull Pea Festival, craft fairs, and animal shows.
* Flat Creek Public Use Area: Located just north of the city, Flat Creek is a popular spot for outdoor activities, including fishing, hunting, and birdwatching.
* Grand Bay WILDLIFE Management Area: The 1,264-acre wildlife area is home to various wildlife species, including alligators, bald eagles, and waterfowl.
5. Food:
* Southern cuisine is prominent in Fitzgerald, with many local restaurants serving up classic dishes like fried chicken, barbecue, and peach cobbler.
* BBQ: The city has several BBQ joints, including the famous Sweet Pig BBQ, which serves up pit-smoked meats and homemade sides.
* Seafood: Being nearby the Atlantic coast, Fitzgerald has access to fresh seafood, with local restaurants serving up seafood dishes like shrimp and grits and fried catfish.
6. People: The city of Fitzgerald has a diverse population of approximately 9,500 people, with a mix of young families, retirees, and agricultural workers.
7. History:
* Established in 1896, the city was named after Thomas Addison Fitzgerald, an early settler who donated land for the construction of the first railroad in the area.
* The city's pea industry dates back to the early 1900s, with the first pea canning plant opening in 1909. The pea industry remains a significant part of the local economy.
* In 1941, the US Army established Camp Wheeler, a training ground for artillery and infantry units, which operated until 1945. The camp's history is showcased at the Blue and Gray Museum of Fitzgerald.
8. Education: The city has three public schools, including Fitzgerald High School, which is part of the Ben Hill County School District.
9. Transportation: The city is situated at the intersection of US highways 129 and 319, providing direct access to Tifton, Macon, and Albany. The city is also home to the Fitzgerald Airport, which serves private and corporate aircraft.
This overview provides a glimpse into the current state of Fitzgerald, Georgia, including its population, culture, special events, local attractions, food, people, history, and more. As you can see, Fitzgerald is a small but vibrant community with a rich history and a focus on community celebrations, local food, and agriculture.