History of Valdosta, Georgia
Valdosta is the county seat of Lowndes County, Georgia, United States. It is the principal city of the Valdosta, Georgia Metropolitan Statistical Area. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 43,724. The Census 2005 estimate showed a population of 124,838 in the Valdosta metropolitan area.
It is called the Azalea City as the plant grows in profusion there. The city hosts an annual Azalea Festival in March.
Located in the far southern portion of the state, near the Florida line, it is a commercial center of south Georgia with numerous manufacturing plants. The surrounding area produces tobacco, turpentine, pine lumber, and pulpwood. Moody Air Force Base is located nearby.
Valdosta has a number of picturesque historic districts including the beautifully maintained Fairview Historic District and its crown jewel the Roberts House, the oldest home in Lowndes County.
The city has a vibrant art scene supported actively by Valdosta State University, the Southern Artists League, the Turner Art Center, and the Snake Nation Press.
Parts of Fannie Flagg's novel Fried Green Tomatoes are set in Valdosta, although in the novel it is incorrectly referred to as the seat of "Loundes County."
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