Valdosta, Georgia

"Valdosta" redirects here. For other uses, seeValdosta (disambiguation).

Not to be confused withVal d'Aosta.

Valdosta, Georgia
City
Valdosta Commercial Historic District
Flag Seal
Nickname(s): Azalea City, Sportstown, Titletown USA, Winnersville
Motto: "A City Without Limits" (2002–present)
Location inLowndes Countyand the state ofGeorgia
Coordinates:30°50′48″N83°16′59″W
Country	United States
State	Georgia
County	Lowndes
Incorporated	December 7, 1860
Government
•Mayor	Scott James Matheson
Area
•City	36.43 sq mi (94.35 km2)
• Land	35.99 sq mi (93.20 km2)
• Water	0.44 sq mi (1.15 km2)
Elevation	220 ft (67 m)
Population (2020)
•City	55,378 (14th largest) (778th in the U.S.)
• Density	1,538.88/sq mi (594.16/km2)
•Metro	151,118
Time zone	UTC−05:00(EST)
• Summer (DST)	UTC−04:00(EDT)
ZIP Codes	31601-31606, 31698
Area code	229
FIPS code	13-78800
GNISfeature ID	0324649
Website	valdostacity.com

Valdostais a city in and thecounty seatofLowndes Countyin theU.S. stateofGeorgia.As the principal city of theValdosta metropolitan statistical area,which in 2023 had a metropolitan population of 151,118, according to the US Census Bureau its metropolitan area includesBrooks Countyto the west. With a city population of 55,378 in 2020, Valdosta is the home ofValdosta State University,a regional university in theUniversity System of Georgiawith over 12,000 students as of 2021.

Etymology

The city of Valdosta had been named after GovernorGeorge Troup,for whomTroup County, Georgia,was also named. Valdosta was named after Troup'splantation,Valdosta (occasionally the "Val d'Osta" spelling was used for the plantation); Troup had named it after theAosta Valley(Piedmontese:Val d'Osta) inItaly.The nameAosta(Latin:Augusta), refers to EmperorAugustus.A long-standing rumor held that the city's name meant "vale of beauty."

History

Incorporation

Valdosta was incorporated on December 7, 1860,when it was designated by the state legislature as the new county seat, formerly at nearbyTroupville.The railroad was built to Valdosta that year, rather than Troupville, stimulating development in the new county seat.Many citizens of Troupville had already relocated to Valdosta when theAtlantic and Gulf Railroadwas built 4 miles (6 km) away. The engine known as Satilla No. 3 pulled the first train into Valdosta on the Atlantic and Gulf Railroad on either July 4, 1860 or on July 20, 1860.

Civil War to Reconstruction

TheAmerican Civil Warbegan the year after the establishment of Valdosta. During the war, many of its male residents served in theConfederate States Army.Three years after the beginning of the war, women rioted in the city after the refusal ofConfederate dollarsas legal tender.

During theReconstruction era,more than 100freedmen,families of farmers, craftsmen, and laborers, emigrated from Lowndes County toArthington, Liberia,in 1871 and 1872, looking for a better life.Since before the war, theAmerican Colonization Societyhad supported the relocation of free blacks to Liberia, an American colony in West Africa established for this purpose. The first group from Lowndes County left in 1871, and were led by Jefferson Bracewell; the second group was led in 1872 by Aaron Miller.

Lowndes County Courthouseand Confederate Monumentc. 1915

One notable event during Reconstruction was at a political meeting in front of the courthouse. Acarpetbaggernamed J. W. Clift was running for United States Congress and was looking for support from former slaves. During Clift's speech he verbally attacked whites of Valdosta. In response five men planted explosives at the courthouse, planning on setting them off at Clift's next political rally. When other whites arrived at the courthouse unaware of the explosives the five men decided to stop the explosives but some still managed to go off. The explosion was small and no injuries occurred. The five men were arrested and were going to go on trial, butfederal soldierstook them toSavannahfor trial, which was seen by residents as an overreach of authority and an endangerment for self-government.

As mechanization was introduced, the number of agricultural jobs decreased and Valdosta became more industrialized by the 20th century. The world's secondCoca-Colabottling plant began bottling Coca-Cola in Valdosta in 1897.In 1899, thecotton milltown ofRemertonwas established 2 miles (3 km) from the center of Valdosta.

First half of the 20th century

Downtown Valdostac. 1900

A new courthouse was planned in 1900 to replace the smaller courthouse. Construction began in 1904 for around $75,000. The old courthouse was torn down in March 1904. The new courthouse was completed in 1904, and on April 14, 1905, the first session of court took place in the new courthouse.

In November 1902, the Harris Nickel-Plate Circus' prize elephant, Gypsy, went on a rampage and killed her trainer James O'Rourke. After terrorizing the town for a couple of hours, she ran off to Cherry Creek, north of Valdosta. Gypsy was chased by Police Chief Calvin Dampier and a posse. Gypsy was shot and killed and buried on site. James O'Rourke was buried in Sunset Hill Cemetery in Valdosta.

On July 28, 1907, Valdosta voted to become adry city;a record $10,000 worth of whiskey was sold on the last day. The city had been wet since its founding.

In 1910, cotton was still important to the economy, andFortunemagazine ranked Valdosta as the richest city in America by per capita income.Soon after that, theboll weevilinvaded the South, moving east through the states and killing much of the cotton crop in this area in 1917. Agriculture in this area turned totobaccoandpinetimber.In January 1913, the South Georgia State Normal College opened in Valdosta on the edge of town. Over the course of the following century, it evolved intoValdosta State University.

Valdosta streetcar in 1912

On May 16, 1918, a white planter named Hampton Smith was shot and killed at his house nearMorven, Georgia,by a black farm worker named Sidney Johnson who was routinely mistreated by Smith. Johnson also shot Smith's wife but she later recovered. Johnson hid for several days in Valdosta without discovery.Lynch mobsformed in Valdosta ransacking Lowndes and Brooks counties for a week looking for Johnson and his alleged accomplices. These mobs lynched at least 13 African Americans, among themMary Turnerand her unborn eight-month-old baby who was cut from her body and murdered. Mary Turner's husbandHazel Turnerwas also lynched the day before.

Sidney Johnson was turned in by an acquaintance, and on May 22 Police Chief Calvin Dampier led a shootout at the Valdosta house where he was hiding. Following his death, a crowd of more than 700 castrated Johnson's body, then dragged it behind a vehicle down Patterson Street and all the way to Morven, Georgia, near the site of Smith's murder. There the body of Johnson was hanged and burned on a tree. That afternoon, GovernorHugh Dorseyordered the state militia to be dispatched to Valdosta to halt the lynch mobs, but they arrived too late for many victims. Dorsey later denounced the lynchings, but none of the participants were ever prosecuted.

Following the violence, more than 500 African Americans fled from Lowndes and Brooks counties to escape such oppressive conditions and violence. From 1880 to 1930, Brooks County had the highest number of lynchings in the state of Georgia.By 1922 local chapters of theKu Klux Klan,which had been revived starting in 1915, were holding rallies openly in Valdosta.

Second half of the 20th century

Moody Air Force Basein 1943

On June 26, 1941,Moody Army Airfieldopened 10 miles (16 km) northeast of town as part of the United States' preparation for the country's potential involvement inWorld War II.

The local economy received an important boost in the mid-20th century whenInterstate 75was routed and built through the area. Many vacationers on their way toFloridafound Valdosta a convenient "last stop" on their way toWalt Disney Worldand theOrlandoarea. The Interstate's route to the west of the city has contributed to its commercial district shifting from the historic downtown area to near the Interstate.

Cheetahroller coaster and giraffes atWild Adventures

Valdosta State Collegewasintegratedin September 1963.In 1969,Valdosta High School(the formerly all-white school) and Pinevale High School (the formerly all-black school) were merged into one system; integration had begun at Valdosta High School about 1966.

During theVietnam War,future presidentGeorge W. Bushentered theNational Guard,receiving flight training at Valdosta'sMoody Air Force Basein November 1968.

In 1994, Kent and Dawn Buescher opened Liberty Farms Animal Park with a playground, entertainment venue and a collection of animals. An amusement park was added, and in 1996 Liberty Farms Animal Park was renamedWild Adventures.Wild Adventures expanded with Splash Island Water Park in 2002. The Buescher family purchased a botanical garden and theme park calledCypress Gardensin 2004. Due to damage from three hurricanes and a financial struggle in repairing Cypress Gardens, the Buescher family were forced to sellWild AdventurestoHerschend Family Entertainmentin 2007.

According to theBureau of Labor Statistics'Monthly Labor Review,the firstautomated teller machine(ATM) was installed at aC&S Bankin Valdosta in 1971.That ATM was preceded by one installed inRockville Centre, New York,in 1969.

Geography

Aerial view of Valdosta

Valdosta is located in central Lowndes County at30°50′48″N83°16′59″W(30.846661, -83.283101),15 miles (24 km) north of theFloridastate line. It is about 230 miles (370 km) south ofAtlanta,138 miles (222 km) east ofDothan, Alabama,and 120 miles (190 km) northwest ofJacksonville, Florida.Regionally, Valdosta is considered part ofSoutheast Georgia,a region borderingCoastal Georgia,South Georgia,andSouthwest Georgia.

According to theUnited States Census Bureau,the city has a total area of 36.4 square miles (94.3 km²), of which 35.9 square miles (93.1 km²) are land and 0.46 square miles (1.2 km²), or 1.26%, are water.TheWithlacoochee River,a tributary of theSuwannee River,runs along part of the western edge of the city, while the eastern side of the city drains to Mud Creek, flowing southeast to theAlapahoochee River,also part of the Suwannee River watershed.

Climate

Valdosta has ahumid subtropical climate(Köppen climate classification:Cfa), with mild, dry/wet winters and hot, humid summers.Temperatures frequently go over 90 °F (32.2 °C), but in extreme heatwaves, temperatures occasionally go over 100 °F (37.8 °C). Snowfall is rare but not unknown. Snow fell in Valdosta most recently on January 3, 2018, but the last significant snowfall happened in 1989. However, light frosts regularly occur between December and February.Valdosta can experienceIndian summersin the winter, where temperatures can get quite warm. Very rarely do winter lows go below 25 °F (−3.9 °C).

Climate data for Valdosta, Georgia (Valdosta Regional Airport) 1991–2020 normals, extremes 1948–present
Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
Record high °F (°C)	84 (29)	88 (31)	95 (35)	96 (36)	100 (38)	106 (41)	104 (40)	106 (41)	101 (38)	96 (36)	89 (32)	85 (29)	106 (41)
Mean maximum °F (°C)	78.7 (25.9)	81.5 (27.5)	86.1 (30.1)	89.8 (32.1)	94.7 (34.8)	98.0 (36.7)	98.5 (36.9)	98.3 (36.8)	95.2 (35.1)	90.0 (32.2)	84.5 (29.2)	80.4 (26.9)	99.8 (37.7)
Mean daily maximum °F (°C)	62.8 (17.1)	67.0 (19.4)	72.9 (22.7)	79.6 (26.4)	86.4 (30.2)	90.1 (32.3)	92.1 (33.4)	91.5 (33.1)	87.8 (31.0)	80.5 (26.9)	71.4 (21.9)	65.0 (18.3)	78.9 (26.1)
Daily mean °F (°C)	50.7 (10.4)	54.6 (12.6)	60.1 (15.6)	66.2 (19.0)	73.4 (23.0)	79.0 (26.1)	81.1 (27.3)	81.2 (27.3)	77.2 (25.1)	68.6 (20.3)	59.0 (15.0)	53.2 (11.8)	67.0 (19.4)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C)	38.6 (3.7)	42.2 (5.7)	47.2 (8.4)	52.8 (11.6)	60.3 (15.7)	67.9 (19.9)	70.1 (21.2)	71.0 (21.7)	66.5 (19.2)	56.8 (13.8)	46.6 (8.1)	41.3 (5.2)	55.1 (12.8)
Mean minimum °F (°C)	23.6 (−4.7)	26.7 (−2.9)	31.3 (−0.4)	39.2 (4.0)	48.9 (9.4)	61.5 (16.4)	67.0 (19.4)	66.0 (18.9)	57.1 (13.9)	40.9 (4.9)	31.0 (−0.6)	27.1 (−2.7)	21.7 (−5.7)
Record low °F (°C)	3 (−16)	15 (−9)	18 (−8)	30 (−1)	41 (5)	46 (8)	59 (15)	59 (15)	46 (8)	27 (−3)	17 (−8)	10 (−12)	3 (−16)
Averageprecipitationinches (mm)	3.83 (97)	3.31 (84)	3.73 (95)	3.66 (93)	2.84 (72)	7.08 (180)	5.33 (135)	5.11 (130)	4.22 (107)	3.71 (94)	2.47 (63)	3.12 (79)	48.41 (1,230)
Average precipitation days(≥ 0.01 in)	9.3	9.1	9.0	7.1	8.1	13.5	14.2	14.7	9.2	7.6	7.4	9.1	118.3
Source:NOAA

Demographics

Historical population

Census	Pop.	Note	%±
1860	166		—
1870	1,199		622.3%
1880	1,515		26.4%
1890	2,854		88.4%
1900	5,613		96.7%
1910	7,656		36.4%
1920	10,783		40.8%
1930	13,482		25.0%
1940	15,595		15.7%
1950	20,046		28.5%
1960	30,652		52.9%
1970	32,303		5.4%
1980	37,596		16.4%
1990	39,806		5.9%
2000	43,724		9.8%
2010	54,518		24.7%
2020	55,378		1.6%
U.S. Decennial Census 1850-18701880 1890-19101920-1930 1930-19401940-1950 1960-19801990

Valdosta racial composition as of 2020

Race	Num.	Perc.
White	18,863	34.06%
Black or African American	30,060	54.28%
Native American	109	0.2%
Asian	865	1.56%
Pacific Islander	34	0.06%
Other/Mixed	2,092	3.78%
HispanicorLatino	3,355	6.06%

At the1860 United States census,Valdosta had a population of 166, which has increased since every decennial census. In 2000, the city's population grew to 43,724, and by the2020 United States census,there were 55,378 people, 21,153 households, and 11,224 families residing in the city, up from 54,518 at the2010 U.S. census.

The racial and ethnic makeup of the city in 2020 was 34.06%non-Hispanic white,54.28%African American,0.2%Native American,1.56%Asian,0.06%Pacific Islander American,3.78% multiracial or another race, and 6.06%Hispanic or Latinoof any race.At the 2022American Community Survey,its population was 55% African American, 35% White, 1% Asian, 2% multiracial, and 5% Hispanic or Latino of any race. Among its racially diverse population, the median age was 29.2.

In 2022, there were 24,837 housing units in Valdosta. Approximately 87% were occupied and 60% were renter-occupied. The majority of its units were single unit family homes and the median value of an owner-occupied housing unit was $152,100. Among its population, 16.8% of the city has moved since 2021; of its movers, 7% relocated from the same county, 6% from a different county, and 3% from another state.

In 2000, the median income for a household in the city was $31,940, and the median income for a family was $39,295. Males had a median income of $33,230 versus $25,689 for females. Theper capita incomefor the city was $19,003. About 20.3% of families and 28.2% of the population were below thepoverty line,including 34.3% of those under age 18 and 13.1% of those age 65 or over.As of the 2022American Community Survey'sestimates, the median household income was $41,365 with a per capita income of $24,946.An estimated 28.4% of the city's population lived at or below the poverty line, and 38% of children under age 18 were considered in poverty.

Economy

Located in the far southern portion of the state, near theFloridaline along theInterstate 75corridor, it is a commercial center of South Georgia with numerous manufacturing plants. The surrounding area producestobacco,naval stores,particularlyturpentine,as well aspinelumberandpulpwood.According to the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, Valdosta is called the "Naval Stores Capital of the World" because it supplies 80% of the world demand fornaval stores.

In the retailing field, Valdosta has one major regional mall,Valdosta Mall,which features national chain anchor stores. Several large stores surround the mall or are near the mall. Valdosta has other notable shopping areas such as the Historic Downtown area with many local businesses,and the Five Points area which has large retailers and numerous national franchise and local restaurants.Moody Air Force Baseis located about 10 miles (16 km) northeast of Valdosta in northern Lowndes County.Wild Adventures,a 166-acre (67 ha)themeandwater park,is located 10 miles (16 km) south of the center of Valdosta in rural Lowndes County. Wild Adventures is owned byHerschend Family Entertainment.

Arts and culture

Public libraries

Valdosta Lowndes County Library

TheSouth Georgia Regional Libraryoperates two libraries in Valdosta: Valdosta Lowndes County Library and Mae Wisenbaker McMullen Memorial Southside Library. Valdosta Lowndes County Library, with over 32,000 square feet (3,000 m²) of space, houses the administrative offices of the library system. Built for $450,000, it first opened in 1968.The Mae Wisenbaker McMullen Memorial Southside Library opened on May 31, 1992. An area businessperson, J.C. McMullen, donated the land used for the Southside Library, which was built as part of a larger library construction program; it was named after Mae Wisenbaker McMullen, the mother of J.C. McMullen.

The first library for African-Americans in Lowndes County began operations in the Walton Building on January 21, 1935, closed in February 1939, and reopened in 1955. In 1963, all libraries became available to patrons of all races.

Museum

Lowndes County Historical Society & Museum in the former Carnegie Library

The Lowndes County Historical Society & Museum is located at theCarnegie Library of Valdosta,a National Register of Historic Places listed building andCarnegie library,one of24 Carnegie libraries in Georgia.

Civic center

The Lowndes County Civic Center is a 120-seat multi-purpose arena that can be rented by the public and is often used to host community sporting events.The arena was also an occasional venue forSouthern Championship Wrestlingand Spinebusters Championship Wrestling.

LGBT pride

The South GeorgiaPride Festivalis held every third Saturday in September. The first festival was held in 2008 on the front lawn of Valdosta State University. In 2009, the festival became South Georgia Pride and held its festival at the John W. Saunders Park in Valdosta in 2010. Valdosta Mayor John J. Fretti proclaimed September 17, 2011, as South Georgia Pride Day.Since 2010, the festival has grown to over 3,000 people attending. In July 2012, Mayor John Gayle refused to give a proclamation to South Georgia Pride, the only one he has refused.

Sports

Minor league baseball

Valdosta hosted several different minor league baseball teams during the twentieth century, and was one of six cities in theGeorgia State Leaguewhich began play in 1906, with the team known as the Valdosta Stars.From 1946 to 1958, theValdosta Tigerswere a "Class-D" minor league team. Valdosta was also home to the Valdosta Trojans which was a "farm" team for the Brooklyn Dodgers.

ESPN's Titletown, USA

TitleTown USA was a month-long segment onESPNthat started in the spring of 2008 and continued through July. Fans nominated towns and cities across the country based on their championship pedigree. A panel reviewed the nominees, and fan voting in May determined the 20th finalist.SportsCentervisited each city in July, and fan voting July 23–27 determined the winner. Due to the Valdosta High School football team's record as well as multiple championships in many sports by Valdosta State University, Lowndes High School, Valwood School, Georgia Christian School, and other academic institutions in the town, Valdosta was nominated as a finalist in 2008 for ESPN's "Titletown USA" contest. On July 28, 2008, with 29.2% of fan votes on ESPN's website poll, Valdosta was named TitleTown USA.

The football team atValdosta High Schoolhas more wins than any other American high school,and is second in overall wins in the country after University of Michigan.

Education

Valdosta State University

Wiregrass Georgia Technical College

Georgia Military CollegeValdosta Campus

Public schools

TheValdosta City School Districtholds grades pre-school to grade twelve, consisting of five elementary schools, two middle schools, and one high school. The school district serves the city of Valdosta and the surrounding communities of Lowndes County.As of 2022the district has 482 full-time teachers and over 8,294 students.TheLowndes County School Districtserves communities of Lowndes County outside of the Valdosta city limits. The Lowndes County School District has seven elementary schools, three middle schools, and one high school. The District has a total of 10,728 Students and nearly 600 teachers and staff.

Scintilla Charter Academy is a free public school of choice open to any student who resides in Lowndes county or the city of Valdosta. SCA holds grades kindergarten to ninth grade.

Private schools

Valwood Schoolis an independent college preparatory school north of Valdosta enrolling students in pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade.Several Christian schools offering grades K-12 also operate in and near Valdosta, including Crossroads Baptist School,Georgia Christian School,Lighthouse Christian School,Open Bible Christian School,Highland Christian Academy,St. John Catholic School,and Victory Christian School.

Higher education

Valdosta is the home ofValdosta State University(VSU), founded in 1906 asSouth Georgia State Normal College for Women.It became part of theUniversity System of Georgiain 1950 as Valdosta State College. It achieved university status and became VSU in 1993 and is one of two regional universities in Georgia.

An extension ofGeorgia Military Collegeis in the city limits,andWiregrass Georgia Technical Collegeis located a mile outside of the city limits offInterstate 75.

Also located in Valdosta is Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide: Moody Campus.

Media

Newspaper

• The Valdosta Daily Times

Radio

AM:

• WJEM1150 AM; 5 kW Gospel
• WVLD1450 AM; 1 kW Rock (Rock 106.9)
• WGUN950 AM; 4 kW Adult Urban Contemporary
• WRFV910 AM; 50 kW

FM:

• WDDQTALK 92.1 FM Talk radio
• WAYT88.1 FM Christian Contemporary (licensed toThomasville)
• WVVS90.9 FM VSU station
• WWET91.7 FM (Georgia Public Broadcasting)
• WAAC92.9 FM Country
• WJYF95.3 FM Christian Contemporary
• WQPW95.7 FM Adult Contemporary
• WJEM 96.1 (repeater of 1150 AM)
• WGOV-FM96.7 FM Urban
• WAFT101.1 FM Christian
• WXHT102.7 FM Pop Hits (Broadcast from Valdosta but licensed toMadison, Florida)
• WSTI105.3 FM Classic Soul and R&B (Broadcast from Valdosta but licensed toQuitman)
• W295AO 106.9 Rock (repeater of WVLD 1450AM)
• WWRQ107.9 FM The Beat

Television

Valdosta and Lowndes County is part of theTallahassee, Floridatelevision market and receives most channels from that city; it also receives some channels from the neighboringAlbanymarket.

• WSWGchannel 44 is the localCBSaffiliate licensed to Valdosta and based inMoultrie.The station serves the Valdosta and Albany areas, and includes subchannels offering programming fromMyNetworkTVandMe-TV.
• WXGA-TVchannel 8 is the localGPBoutlet, licensed toWaycross.

Infrastructure

Transportation

Major highways

• Interstate 75(State Route 401) runs north to south through a western section of Valdosta, with access from Exits 11 through 22. I-75 leads north 46 miles (74 km) toTiftonand southeast 62 miles (100 km) toLake City, Florida.
• U.S. Highway 41(State Route 7) runs north to south entering the city at theWithlacoochee Riverbeing known as North Valdosta Road, and continuing south on North Ashley Street. It branches into two sections at Five Points, US 41 Business / SR 7 Business traveling south down North Ashley Street, US 41 Alternate / SR 7 Alternate traveling south down Patterson Street. At the overpass over the CSX railroad, they join to become US 41 Business / SR 7 Business following South Patterson Street.
• U.S. Highway 84(Wiregrass Georgia Parkway) is colocated withState Route 38and runs west to east bisecting the city and is known as Hill Avenue through the city limits. US 84 leads northeast 62 miles (100 km) toWaycrossand west 43 miles (69 km) toThomasville.
• U.S. Highway 221follows US 84 and SR 38 west of Valdosta andState Route 31northeast of Valdosta. US 221 leads west with US 84 17 miles (27 km) toQuitmanand northeast 21 miles (34 km) toLakeland.

Other transportation

• TheValdosta Regional Airport,3 miles (5 km) south of the center of Valdosta, is served byDelta Air LinestoHartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airportas aDelta Connection.There is also aGreyhoundbus station.

Pedestrians and cycling

• Azalea City Trail
• VSU Walking Trail System

Streetcar

• In 1898, the Valdosta Street Railway Company secured the right to operatestreetcarson Patterson, Ashley, Toombs, Lee, Hill, Central, Crane and Gordon streets. Valdosta was one of the smallest cities in America to have a street railway system. The streetcar operated in the downtown area between 1899 and 1924. The abandoned tracks were removed in the 1940s to be used as scrap metal for the war effort.

Intercity rail

For several decades theAtlantic Coast Lineand theSouthern Railwayran regular passenger trains on aChicagoto Florida circuit, making stops in Valdosta, albeit at different stations. The Atlantic Coast Line ran theSouth Windthrough Valdosta, and the Southern operated thePonce de Leonand theRoyal Palmthrough the town.

AfterAmtrakassumed passenger rail operations in the United States in 1971 it operated theFloridianfrom Chicago toSt. PetersburgandMiami.In a group of several train disestablishments in 1979, Amtrak discontinued theFloridian,thus marking the last time that passenger trains served south Georgia (excepting the New York-Florida service in eastern Georgia).

Notable people

• Michelle Anderson,president ofBrooklyn Collegeand a scholar on rape law
• Alex W. Bealer,Atlanta blacksmith and author; born in Valdosta in 1921
• Alfred Corn,poet and essayist; raised in Valdosta
• Doc Holliday,Western dentist, gunfighter and gambler; spent his youth in Valdosta
• Louis Lomax,African-American journalist and the son of a leading local educator
• James Lord Pierpont,composer of "Jingle Bells";lived many years in Valdosta, where he taught music
• Elsie Quarterman,plant biologist and professor of biology atVanderbilt University;born in Valdosta in 1910
• Mary Turner,African-American lynching victim

Entertainment

• Rhett Akins,country artist, two-time Songwriter of the Year, member of the Peach Pickers writing trio and his son,Thomas Rhett,country music artist
• Don Fleming,indie rock musician and producer
• From First to Last(Matt Good, Derek Bloom and Travis Richer),post-hardcoreband
• Ben Hayslip,two-time Country Music Songwriter of the Year. Member of The Peach Pickers along with Valdosta native Rhett Akins
• Bill Hicks,comedian; born in Valdosta
• NewSong,Christian band
• Margaret Pardee,violinist and violin teacher
• Pauley Perrette,actress best known forNCIS;attended Valdosta State University
• Billy Joe Royal,country music and pop artist; born in Valdosta
• Sonny Shroyer,actor best known for role asEnos StrateonThe Dukes of Hazzard;born in Valdosta
• Domonique Simone,adult film star
• Pierce Wallace,ESPNFan Hall of Fame and television personality
• Demond Wilson,minister and TV actor best known for playing Lamont onSanford and Son
• William Workman,opera singer

Sports

• Briny Baird,professionalgolferonPGA TourandNationwide Tour
• Buck Belue,former Valdosta High School standout and quarterback of theUniversity of Georgia's 1980 national championship team, now a radio talk show host
• Dusty Bonner,VSU quarterback, later played for Kentucky,NFL'sAtlanta Falconsand arena football league
• Dana Brinson,former NFL player
• Vincent Burns,NFLdefensive tackle(Indianapolis Colts)
• Lorenzo Cain,MLB center fielder
• Ellis Clary,formerMajor League Baseball(MLB) player, coach, and scout
• Buck Coats,former MLB player
• Pepper Daniels,baseball player in theNegro leagues
• William "Red" Dawson,only surviving coach of the 1970 Marshall tragedy, chronicled in the movieWe Are Marshall
• Harris English,professional golfer on the PGA Tour
• Dot Fulghum,played in MLB for thePhiladelphia Athleticsin 1921
• Willie Gary,NFL,St. Louis Rams,played inSuper Bowl XXXVI
• Randall Godfrey,NFLlinebacker,Dallas Cowboys,Seattle SeahawksandSan Diego Chargers
• DL Hall,MLB prospect and former first-round pick
• Brice Hunter,NFLwide receiver,Tampa Bay Buccaneers
• Sean Kazmar Jr.,former MLB player
• Malcolm Mitchell,NFLwide receiver,New England Patriots
• Kenny Moore II,NFL player
• Todd Peterson,former NFL player
• Jay Ratliff,NFLnose tackle,Dallas Cowboys,Chicago Bears
• Greg Reid,former Florida State and Valdosta State football player, now plays forArena Football Leagueteam,Tampa Bay Storm
• Desmond (Desi) Relaford,MLB infielder
• Stan Rome,NFL player,Kansas City Chiefs(1979–1982)
• Coleman Rudolph,football player, Georgia Tech and NFL'sNew York GiantsandJets
• Glenn Schumann,football coach who is currently the co-defensive coordinator and inside linebackers coach for theGeorgia Bulldogs
• Telvin Smith,NFL linebacker, played forFlorida State Football,before being drafted to theJacksonville Jaguars

Politics

• Allen Boyd,served as aDemocratin theU.S. House of Representativesfrom Florida from 1997 to 2011
• Charlie Norwood,served as aRepublicancongressman from Georgia from 1995 to 2007
• Melvin E. Thompson,the 71st governor of Georgia, retired and died in Valdosta

Valdosta in fiction

• Parts ofFannie Flagg's novelFried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafeand the1991 film based upon the novelare set in Valdosta.
• InAllen Steele's science fiction novelCoyote Frontier,Valdosta in the year 2070 is the site of Camp Buchanan, an internment camp for dissident liberal intellectuals.
• Scenes fromErnest in the Armytake place in Valdosta, even though the entire film was shot inSouth Africa.
• Scenes from the filmZombieland,starringWoody Harrelson,were shot on Valdosta streets and at nearbyWild Adventurestheme park.
• InCotton Patch Gospel,Joe moves Jesus and the rest of the family to Valdosta when Herod dies.
• The Lady Chablisperformed in Valdosta in the novelMidnight in the Garden of Good and EvilbyJohn Berendt.
• The 1986 movieAs Summers DiestarringBette DavisandJamie Lee Curtiswas filmed in Valdosta.
• InJohn Steinbeck's novelEast of Eden,Adam Trask stops in Valdosta to steal supplies and request money from his brother Charles after escaping from a Florida chain gang on his way back to Connecticut.
• In the movieThe Further Adventures of Tennessee Buck,the title character claims that they are heading towards "the roughest country this side of Valdosta, Georgia".
• One of the opening sketches of the second episode of the first season of the sketch comedy seriesMr. Show with Bob and Davidfeatures aDixiecratsenator, played byBob Odenkirk,attending a folk festival in Valdosta and ordering it shut down when he decides the featured exhibits are too suggestive.

External links

• City of Valdosta official website
• ValdostaArchivedJune 20, 2013, at theWayback Machineat New Georgia Encyclopedia
• South Georgia Historic Newspapers Archive,Digital Library of Georgia