About Albany

Situated in Georgia’s beautiful Plantation Trace region, Albany is the hub of Southwest Georgia for healthcare, retail, cultural activities, manufacturing and higher education.

The primary trade center for the region, Albany is defined by the free-flowing rapids of the Flint River, named such by Creek Indians for its rich mineral flint or quartz naturally found there and used to make weapons and tools. The centerpiece of redevelopment in downtown Albany, the river serves as a natural backdrop to the Flint RiverQuarium, a 175,000-gallon, 22-foot deep Blue Hole aquarium that opened in 2004 highlighting the journey of the river and the natural ecosystems of the Apalachicola, Chattahoochee and Flint River basins.

Albany boasts several quality-of-life amenities within walking distance of the aquarium, including Riverfront Park, Turtle Grove Play Park, the Thronateeska Heritage Center, Wetherbee Planetarium and the Albany Civil Rights Institute. Families and visitors with a passion for wildlife can visit the only AZA-accredited zoo outside of Atlanta – Chehaw Animal Park, featuring Creekside Education Center, Children’s Play Park and a nationally sanctioned BMX bike track. Albany also has the region’s only permanent installation of traditional African art as well as exhibitions of American Impressionism at the Albany Museum of Art.
Whatever your heart desires, we have it – right here in Albany, Georgia!

Agriculture

Albany’s origin was predominantly an agricultural hub and agriculture still plays a large role in the economy today. The chief farm products are cotton, peanuts, corn and tobacco, plus paper-shell pecans and forest products.

Industry

Albany has also developed a diversified industrial economy including companies such as Procter & Gamble, M&M Mars, Coats & Clark, Tara Foods and Pfizer. Albany is also home to locally grown industry, such as Sasco and Equinox that are making a name for themselves worldwide.

Education

From pre-school to a masters degree … all can be found in Albany. The Dougherty County Public School System and our private schools are working to make sure our younger population is prepared to enter college and/or the workforce. Students have a variety of higher educational choices after high school, including: Albany State University, Albany Technical College and Troy State University.

Medical

Albany is home to one the finest major medical institutions, Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital. With more than 650 beds and more than 250 physicians, Albany’s health care covers virtually every medical specialty. All the medical high tech services that one would expect in a large metropolitan area are available in our community.

www.phoebeputney.com

Military

The Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany (MCLB) is a shining star within the Department of Defense and has established itself as a leader in the adoption of private sector business strategies to accomplish its mission. MCLB is considered one of the most important facilities in the nation, employing more than 2,500 civilians along with 500 marines. Commissioned in March 1952, the base sits on more than 3,300 acres in the heart of Albany.

www.albany.marines.mil/

Arts and Culture

Albany has gained respect throughout the southeast for its support of the arts and its beautiful cultural venues. We set ourselves apart from communities our size because we value the arts and offer a variety of amenities such as:  Albany Area Arts Council, Albany Museum of Art, Thronateeska Heritage Center, Wetherbee Planetarium, Ballet Theatre Albany, Albany Choral, Albany Civil Rights Institute, Albany Symphony Orchestra, Flint RiverQuarium, Imagination Theatre and Radium Springs Gardens, all helping to make our community a great place in which to live and visit.

Famed/Notable Citizens

Deion Branch Super Bowl MVP football player
Ray Charles Pianist, songwriter and soul singer
Alice Coachman Olympic gold medal high jumper
Reginald D. Hunter Stand-up comedian
Harry James Big Band leader and jazz trumpeter
Alexander Johnson Professional basketball player
Ray Knight World Series MVP, also managed the Cincinnati Reds
Russell Malone Jazz guitarist
Shannon McArdle Songwriter, The Mendoza Line
Merritt Ranew Milwaukee Braves baseball player
Daryl Smith Linebacker for the Jacksonville Jaguars
Montavious Stanley Professional football player
Jim Fowler Animal expert and host of television show, Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom
Paula Deen Chef and host of Paula’s Home Cooking on the Food Network
Wallingford Riegger Conductor and Composer
Jay Barbree NBC News Correspondent, focusing on space travel
Luke Bryan Country music singer
Dallas Davidson Country music singer-songwriter
Edward Vason Jones A neoclassical architect whose works include the first renovations to the U.S. Department of State Diplomatic Reception Rooms, renovations to the White House
Hamilton Jordan Chief of Staff to the President of the United States, Jordan was portrayed by Kyle Chandler in the 2012 film ”Argo”
Nancy Lopez Professional golfer – Won 48 LPGA Tour events during her LPGA career, including three major championships
Eddie Middleton Member of NewSong, a contemporary Christian music group
JoMarie Payton American television actress, and singer
Phillip Phillips  Winner of the 11th season of American Idol
Buster Posey Professional baseball catcher and first baseman for the San Francisco Giants
Ray Stevens American country music, pop singer-songwriter
Bill Stanfill Former defensive end for the Miami Dolphins