History is one of the most important resources in any small community, and this proves to be especially true in Blakely and Early County. Our abundant and well preserved history is one of the most important factors that makes us a hub for tourism in the Southwest Georgia region. As we look forward to the years to come, it becomes obvious that the promotion and preservation of our past is one of the most important undertaking that we can pursue in order to continue to see the growth and development of our community.
One of our most famous attractions, Kolomoki Mounds State Park, has been a source of pride in our community for generations. It offers one of the largest temple mounds in the nation, along with other ceremonial and burial mounds, and a state of the art museum that is toured by thousands of visitors each year. Along with the historical aspect, the park also offers a wide variety of recreation attractions, including camp grounds and RV parks, group shelters for family functions, ball fields, playgrounds, hiking trails, and two lakes that are a popular destination for fishermen. Along with all of this, the park is continually adding attractions, including a reconstruction of an authentic Native American house from the period of the mound builders, which will see it continue to prosper in the years to come.
Early County is also home to Coheelee Creek covered bridge, the southernmost of its kind in the United States, and also one of the most well-preserved. The bridge is surrounded by a park that is highly trafficked for families’ outings year round. It is one of the most scenic locales in our region, and preliminary plans for allowing greater access will all be designed with the preservation of that scenic nature in mind. We are very fortunate that this bridge has garnered such attention to make its preservation a top priority for officials in our community, and this will ensure that everyone gets to enjoy the wonders of this location well into the future.
Downtown Blakely is one of the most beautiful and well-known areas in southwest Georgia. With a majestic courthouse on the square surrounded by many local retailers and restaurants, this area of our community is a great example of small-town charm that also can provide for your every need. It is also an important stop for history buffs, as the last standing Confederate flagpole in the nation is located on the northwest corner of the square. Needless to say, the courthouse itself is an historic location, as well as many of the surrounding buildings.
As you can see, the Blakely-Early County region is a wonderful place to witness well- preserved pieces of Georgia’s history. We are proud to be able to have these locations and hope that anyone traveling through will take advantage of what they have to offer.
