"The land ethic simply enlarges the boundaries of the community to include soils, waters, plants, and animals, or collectively: the land."
- Aldo Leopold
Back in the 1960's, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources stocked Burmese chickens all over the state as an additional game bird to be hunted like pheasant or quail.
These tiny, colorful birds resemble fighting game chickens, sporting brilliant orange and yellow ruffs and gleaming black tail feathers.
Flocks of chicks were released several miles from Fitzgerald at the OcmulgeeRiver. Populations of the bird never took hold in other areas of the state, but for some reason, they left the river site and made their way to downtown Fitzgerald, where they have propagated and prospered ever since.
Exotic and beautiful, Burmese chickens are also more athletic than your average chicken. According to one poultry resource, if caught in a fight, Burmese chickens move around and think out their moves, while other breeds move straight into the fray.
Fitzgerald residents have a love/hate relationship with these wild birds. Some folks buy seed and feed them regularly; others chase them out of their yards and gardens with a broom and a few choice words.
Whether loved or hated, Burmese chickens are a familiar part of the Fitzgerald scene. They wake you up in the morning, create minor traffic problems, and, some claim, even keep the bugs away.
An annual festival celebrates these unique residents: The Wild Chicken Festival , held in the downtown historic district of Fitzgerald. For information, contact the Director of Tourism at
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
, or on the web, www.fitzgeraldga.org. Telephone 1-800-386-4642.
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...
All Rights Reserved | City of Fitzgerald | Copyright 2007 | eVerify #100652 2/15/2008 site developed by AllCore Technology
Tourism & Visitors 
