Lowndes County, Georgia
Barber-Pittman House
Brookwood North Historic District
Carnegie Library of Valdosta
Converse-Dalton House
Crescent, The
Crestwood
Dasher High School
East End Historic District
Ewell Brown General Store
Fairview Historic District
First Presbyterian Church
Lowndes County Courthouse
North Patterson Street Historic District
Southside Historic District
Sunset Hill Cemetery
Valdosta Commercial Historic District
Valdosta Commercial Historic District (Boundary Increase)
Christian Science Church
Drexel Park
Ewell Brown General Merchandise Store
First Presbyterian Church
Hahira High School
Lowndes County
Nationsbank
Old Carnegie Library
Old City Hall
Primitive Baptist Church
Site of Cotton Exchange
Site of Troupville
Site: Franklinville
Troop Encampment Site
Valdosta Institute
Valdosta Street Railroad Company Waiting Station, 1917
The county was officially established in 1825 and named after William Jones Lowndes, a prominent South Carolinian statesman. In its early years, the economy of Lowndes County was heavily dependent on cotton cultivation, which relied on slave labor. The county played a significant role in the antebellum economy of Georgia, with large plantations and wealthy landowners dominating the social and economic landscape.
The Civil War brought significant changes to Lowndes County. It experienced devastation and loss as many of its men fought for the Confederacy. After the war, the county went through a period of reconstruction and faced the challenges of rebuilding. The economy shifted from agriculture to diversified industries, including lumber, turpentine, and tobacco.
The 20th century saw continued growth and development in Lowndes County. The establishment of Valdosta State University in 1906 brought new educational opportunities to the area. The county also became a hub for the military during World War II, with Moody Air Force Base being established nearby. Today, Lowndes County is a thriving community with a diverse economy that includes agriculture, manufacturing, education, and healthcare. It continues to preserve its historical heritage while embracing progress and growth.
Brief timeline of the history of Lowndes County, Georgia:
- 1818: Lowndes County established as a county in Georgia
- 1825: Treaty of Indian Springs signed, resulting in the cession of Native American lands in the county
- 1830s: Population growth due to cotton production and the expansion of plantations
- 1861-1865: County residents participate in the American Civil War
- 1876: Valdosta, the county seat, officially incorporated
- Late 19th century: Economic growth fueled by the railroad and timber industry
- Early 20th century: Agricultural diversity increases with the introduction of tobacco farming
- 1960s: Civil rights movement impacts the county, leading to desegregation
- 2000: Population reaches approximately 100,000 residents
- Present: Lowndes County continues to be a thriving community with a diverse economy
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Lowndes County, Georgia.