Your Guide to Buying a Home in Albany, GA

Buying a Home in Albany, Georgia

(The Flint and Kinchafoonee Rivers converge in Albany)

Albany is located in Dougherty County

The first inhabitants of the Albany area were the Creek Indians, who called their home along the river-bank "Thronateeska" meaning "the place where flint is picked up," hence the name "Flint River." The city of Albany was founded in 1836 by Nelson Tift who hoped that the settlement's river location would lead it to become a trade center like Albany, New York.

During the mid-1800s, Albany grew to incorporate several plantations in the area. Albany saw no battles during the Civil War. Instead, the large plantations provided cotton and desperately needed food for the Confederacy.

While steamboat navigation proved irregular due to low water and sand bars, Albany became a rail center by the turn of the century. Union Station, which united the seven railroads that served as many as 55 trains daily, is now the home of the Thronateeska Heritage Center. Industry and commerce followed the railroads, and an active arts community ensured cultural as well as economic growth.

At the same time, our residents took seriously their roles as stewards of the land, preserving the beautiful countryside and unique way of life that led to Albany's reputation as one of the best small cities in the south. Today, Albany serves as the thriving center of southwest Georgia.

Albany pays tribute to the past with a variety of monuments and memorials. Take time to explore and learn even more about the colorful history of Albany and southwest Georgia.

Courtesy of the Albany Convention & Visitors Bureau