National Register Listing

Union Depot

a.k.a. Terminal Station

Roosevelt Ave. and N. Front St., Albany, GA
Local significance of the building:
Transportation

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1975.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

transportation
In the early 20th century, Georgia was known for its "convict leasing" system, which allowed companies to lease prisoners from the state for labor. The system was abolished in 1908 after investigations revealed widespread abuse and mistreatment of prisoners.
Georgia random facts
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