"I always remember an epitaph which is in the cemetery at Tombstone, Arizona. It says: 'Here lies Jack Williams. He done his damnedest.' I think that is the greatest epitaph a man can have."
- Harry S. Truman, 33rd president of the United States (1884 - 1972)
What's in a Name?
Fitzgerald's roots in the Civil War and its remarkable founding story are told through its streets named for Yank and Reb Generals. The town's history is also revealed in the street names in Evergreen Cemetery, the same name as the cemetery over which the famous Civil War Battle at Gettysburg was fought.
The story of that battle is told in the street names in the historical northwest section of the cemetery, west of the Cemetery Road entrance. Remarkably, the area was laid out in a manner which mimics the terrain and army positions of the battle. Look for Taneytown Road, Cemetery Ridge Road, Emmitsburg Road and Seminary Ridge Road and Little Round Top Lane, named for the hill where Colonel Lawrence Chamberlain led a daring bayonet charge at Gettysburg.
The founding story of Fitzgerald is told in all the other street signs. In the south section you will find Drew Brothers Road which honors the family who sold the original land on which the Colony City was established. Swan Lane is named for the two-decker steamer on which the Drew family traveled from North Carolina to South Georgia. P. H. Fitzgerald Drive celebrates the founder of Fitzgerald, an Indiana pension attorney for Union soldiers who conceived the idea of this veterans' colony in the south, which became his namesake. Midway Avenue was the main thoroughfare through Shacktown, a collection of pine stacks where thousands of colonists lived in the founding days. Confederate Lane and Union Road run in front of graves of these pioneering veterans. Palace Road recognizes the Corn and Cotton Palace, a huge structure built in 1896 where Union and Confederate veterans - former enemies who founded Fitzgerald - "marched as one" for the first time behind one flag.
Directions to the Evergreen Cemetery
From the Blue and Gray Museum, take Central Avenue east two blocks to Main Street, turn right. Follow main 7 blocks to Lemon and turn left. follow Lemon 8 blocks to blinking light at Monitor, where Lemon becomes Evergreen. Continue straight and go through the next blinking light at Benjamin Hill Drive and then turn right into the main Gate at Evergreen Cemetery.
Evergreen Cemetery tour booklets providing maps and detailed information about more than 30 founding pioneers and veterans are available by mail at the Tourism Office, 1155 Main Street, P O Box 425, Fitzgerald, GA 31750 or email
Blue and Gray Museum"History never looks like history when you are living through it." - John W. Gardner (1912 - 2002) Located in a historical... Learn More...
Fire Engine Museum "The arriving engines, the hoarse shouts, the nimble stepping and daring,The strong command through the fire-trumpets, the falling in... Learn More...
Evergreen Cemetery"I always remember an epitaph which is in the cemetery at Tombstone, Arizona. It says: 'Here lies Jack Williams. He done his damnedest.'... Learn More...
Fitzgerald's Wild Chickens"The land ethic simply enlarges the boundaries of the community to include soils, waters, plants, and animals, or collectively: the... Learn More...
Jefferson Davis Historic Site Explore the capture site of the president of the Confederacy, a State Memorial Historic Park. Tour the thirteen-acre wooded park, the Civil War... Learn More...
Architectural TourMother Enterprise Monument. Originally a water fountain, this monument in the first Plaza Park in the City is dedicated to Mother Enterprise, Nettie... Learn More...
Grand Theatre1930's Restored Art Deco Movie Theatre The Grand Theatre is a restored 1930’s Art Deco facility capable of showing historic and first run... Learn More...
Grand Conference CenterFor information and booking: Jon DurkovicPhysical Location:115 South Main StreetMailing Address:119 South Main StreetFitzgerald, GA 31750229-426-5090... Learn More...
Grand Plaza Park "The enjoyment of scenery employs the mind without fatigue and yet exercises it; tranquilizes it and enlivens it." - Frederick... Learn More...
The Carnegie Center"No man can become rich, without himself enriching others." - Andrew Carnegie The Carnegie Center is located in the... Learn More...
Paulk Park Campground Paulk Park Campground is located at Paulk Park Road off Perry House Road in Fitzgerald, GA. Base your exploration of the Fitzgerald area among... Learn More...
Local Artists"At moments of great enthusiasm it seems to me that no one in the world has ever made something this beautiful and important." - M.C.... Learn More...
Arts Council "What I dream of is an art of balance." - Henri Matisse (1869 - 1954), O Magazine, April 2003 Fitzgerald Welcomes the... Learn More...
Leisure With our ideal climate and setting, some form of relaxation and recreation is available to the citizens of Ben Hill County every day of the... Learn More...
Sports & RecreationSports & Recreation An abundance of sports & recreational events and facilities are available in Fitzgerald including softball and... Learn More...
The Colony City OpryThe Colony City Opry Sizzles Every Saturday Night........."Music for the people, by the people"On Saturday nights from 6:00 p.m.... Learn More...
Points of InterestFitzgerald, Georgia...A unique planned city Click to enlarge 1,000 acres of woodlands, selected in July of 1895 to become a new community for... Learn More...
Motels and Lodging"To put it rather bluntly, I am not the type who wants to go back to the land; I am the type who wants to go back to the hotel." -... Learn More...
Restaurants"I have never developed indigestion from eating my words." - Winston Churchill Fitzgerald offers a range of eateries... Learn More...
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