Georgia was named in honor of King George II of England, who granted a charter for the colony in 1732.
Dougherty County, located in southwest Georgia, has a rich history that can be traced back to the prehistoric era. The area was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Creek and Cherokee. European settlers arrived in the late 18th century and began establishing farms, plantations, and a trading post along the Flint River.

In 1853, Dougherty County was officially established and named after Charles Dougherty, a respected judge from the region. The county's economy was heavily reliant on cotton production, and it became one of the leading producers in the state. This led to a boom in population and wealth, with many large plantations and mansions being built during this time.

However, the county's history also bears the scars of slavery and racial segregation. The Civil War brought devastating consequences, with many of the county's young men enlisting in Confederate armies, and the area suffering from economic decline and social unrest in the post-war period. The struggles for civil rights and racial equality continued well into the 20th century.

In recent years, Dougherty County has faced natural disasters, most notably in 1994 when it was hit by one of the deadliest tornadoes in US history. The community rallied together to rebuild and recover, demonstrating the resilience and spirit of its residents. Today, Dougherty County is a vibrant community with a diverse population, and it continues to develop and evolve while honoring its past.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Dougherty County, Georgia.

  • 1836 - Dougherty County is established on December 15th
  • 1847 - The city of Albany is chartered
  • 1853 - A railroad line is completed, connecting Albany to Macon
  • 1861-1865 - Dougherty County experiences the effects of the American Civil War
  • 1907 - The Georgia Normal and Agricultural College (now Albany State University) is founded
  • 1925 - The Albany Municipal Auditorium is built
  • 1940s-1950s - Albany becomes a hub for civil rights activism
  • 1994 - Severe flooding occurs in Dougherty County, leading to a state of emergency
  • 2007 - Construction begins on the Flint RiverQuarium, a freshwater aquarium and science center