Moultrie is a peaceful city of beautiful landscapes, huge sprawling oak
trees and stately homes. Attractive vistas begin at the heart of Moultrie in
the downtown square, where our turn-of-the-century Court House stands,
framed by huge magnolia trees. In outlying areas of the county, you'll find
vast farmlands and rolling acreage to wander and enjoy. You'll be
transported through time, back to 1539 when the Spanish explorer DeSoto
first ventured down the Ochlocknee River through the lush pine forest of
southwest Georgia.
This very region became Colquitt County, the 115th county in the state, by
an act of the Georgia Legislature on February 25, 1856. The County was named
in honor of Walter T. Colquitt, a minister, statesman and lawyer who was
admired as a military leader in the mid-1860's. Colquitt served in the
Georgia Senate and in both Houses of the US Congress.
In 1879, a county seat was formed at the center of the County, and named for
General William Moultrie, a Revolutionary War hero, and later, governor of
his home state of South Carolina.
By the late 1880's timber harvesting to supply the naval stores industry
began. Turpentine stills and tram roads were established, allowing the
railroad to enter the territory. The Boston & Albany line, which later
became the Georgia Northern Railroad, was the first through town, bringing
with it unprecedented growth and prosperity for the County. Practically
every train brought new residents interested in supplying naval stores or
working in the saw mills.
Small towns cropped up along the railroads, leading civilization into the
virgin timber areas. Lumber was cut at such a rapid rate that County leaders
realized a new direction would have to be taken for the local economy to
survive. By 1900, through the efforts of businessmen, bankers, and
speculators, the County was developed into a farmer's paradise. Land was
cleared and development companies divided the once forested areas into
tracts of farmland. Experienced farmers from north Georgia to the Carolinas
were invited to "come develop" the region. This strong farming tradition
continues as it has through Colquitt's history: today, Colquitt County
generates more non-poultry agricultural revenue than any other county in the
state.
Our proud history has been cherished over time by the citizens of Moultrie
an Colquitt County, and preserved in many ways. In fact, Moultrie's entire
commercial downtown area, as well as eight notable structures throughout the
community, are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
