Dougherty Co. Commission to add more Historical Preservation Markers

ALBANY, Ga. – The Dougherty County Commission is looking to add more historical markers across the county, as many are still unmarked, despite having historical significance.

Historical Preservation Commission Chairman Angie Jones says the decision to survey this area in Dougherty county and downtown Albany was thought of by District 6 Commissioner Anthony Jones.

“My reason for presenting today was the results of what I’ve compiled. With companies representing from the Georgia Department of Community Affairs who are the experts in signage. So, it was my duty to present that information as far as signage, what it would look like and to give examples…” said Angie Jones, Chairman, Historical Preservation Commission.

Many of the historical sites are ones that plenty of people in the county are quite familiar with…

The Harlem District just south of Oglethorpe Boulevard that’s been the talk of revitalization efforts.

“…But, it includes the Harlem District. It includes Whitney Avenue, Lincoln Avenue, Gordon Avenue, Cherry Avenue, Highland Avenue. The area that was designated back in the creation of Albany in the Jim Crow Era, this being the Old Central South, which is being designated as the African American District,” said Jones.

And, the reasoning as to why the county wanted to see about finding these unmarked historical locations is to help bolster the historical impact that Dougherty county has had during its existence…

With these new landmarks being in addition to the ones already in place discussing the county’s founding.

“…Signage has been placed there for years. So, because we are considered to be a part of history; because of the Civil Rights Movement and other things that took place even during the time that goes back to Nelson Tift, the contribution of African Americans in the city is relatively important to also designate those specific areas, because we do have different tourist agencies who are interested in coming here,” said Jones.

With the findings concluded, the Historical Preservation Committee feels optimistic that the county will be adding historical markers, highlight every milestone in Dougherty county’s history.

To see a full map from the Historical Preservation Commission, you can click here.

Brian Roche reporting.

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