Now and then, when I get especially exasperated because the Democrats and Republicans refuse to work together on anything, I think about the little South Georgia town of Fitzgerald.
Fitzgerald is a truly unique place that could teach us all a lesson.
In the early 1890s, an economic depression swept across the United States. At the same time, a terrible drought ravaged the farmlands of the Midwest. Once-fertile farms became dusty wastelands, leaving thousands hungry and desperate. A call went out for help.
The State of Georgia, which was still recovering from being thoroughly devastated during the Civil War, responded with notable generosity. Numerous trainloads of food and feed were shipped into the devastated areas.
In Indianapolis, Philander H. Fitzgerald, who was both editor of the American Tribune and an attorney specializing in Civil War veterans’ affairs, was deeply moved by these acts of mercy and kindness.
For years, Fitzgerald had dreamed of establishing a colony in a warm climate for aging Union soldiers. He worked with veterans and knew their problems. He wanted to give them relief from the bitter Northern winters and the unrelenting droughts of the time.
Georgia’s display of charity convinced him it was the right place for his colony.
Through editorials in his newspaper, Fitzgerald detailed his plan to veterans. At the same time, he appealed to Georgia Governor William Northen, a Confederate veteran, for assistance in locating a site.
Governor Northen responded with a promise to help. Fitzgerald was flooded with inquiries from veterans.
Fitzgerald organized the American Tribune Soldiers’ Colony Company. He sold sufficient stock to enable the purchase of 50,000 acres of virgin pine forest in the heart of south Georgia.
The name of the new colony came naturally: Fitzgerald.
By the summer of 1895, before surveys of the town could be completed, people began arriving — by wagon, by train, and on horseback.
Although the colony was open to “all good people,” Union veterans, 2,700 of them, were in the majority.
Among them were survivors of every major Civil War battle, of Sherman’s March to the Sea, and of Andersonville Prison.
One stockholder was a member of the contingent that captured Confederate President Jefferson Davis. Ironically, Davis had been captured less than 15 miles from the site of the new colony.
As surveyors worked and the town took shape, colonists set up housekeeping in shacks, tents, and covered wagons.
When the streets were laid out, seven were named for Union generals and seven for Confederate generals. A wooden bandstand soon became the social focus of the community. The music ranged from Yankee Doodle to Dixie.
Seeking to provide local employment and attract tourists, the Colony Company constructed an impressive wood-framed hotel.
Its name was to be the Hotel Grant-Lee. But in deference to the town’s location, it was christened the Lee-Grant.
The town opened its first school in the fall of 1896. Children from 38 states and two territories attended. Of the 12 teachers, only one, the superintendent, was a Southerner. The Colony Company provided free textbooks.
With the first year’s hardships behind them, the colonists planned a Thanksgiving celebration festival. Invitations went out to the surrounding area.
Many of the locals were skeptical of their new Yankee neighbors, but hundreds attended the festival to see for themselves.
As part of the festivities, the town wanted to stage a parade, but they feared it might be asking for trouble. Out of caution, they decided to have two parades: one for Union veterans and one for Confederate.
Their plan didn’t work. Witnesses reported what happened:
“When the band struck up a march, veterans in gray, recognizing the accomplishments of the colonists, stepped into formation with veterans in blue, and all marched as one beneath the Stars and Stripes.”
A news article said, “The stage was set for the future of Fitzgerald by men who, having met once on the field of battle, determined on that day to meet again on the field of life and forge a unique and enduring city where North and South reunited.”
I don’t know what Fitzgerald is like today. I suspect it’s an ordinary place, not much different from any other small town in Georgia — or, for that matter, in any other state.
If it doesn’t measure up to the high bar it established long ago, that would be understandable.
But Fitzgerald says something important about our potential. It proves that, regardless of the circumstances, we can choose to do the right thing.
So, when the shallow, carping politicians test your patience, or when you encounter pettiness, intolerance, narrow-mindedness, or outright bigotry, take a deep breath and think about Fitzgerald, Georgia.
Today, the town’s motto is “History, Harmony, Heritage.”
Philander H. Fitzgerald would approve of that.
Architect’s rendering of Fitzgerald, Georgia, 1895.
Mr. Write's Page 
A Confederate veteran named Northern… That sums it up.
I’m not sure how the dude got elected in the first place.
I grew up in Fitzgerald. It’s a very uncommon town to say the least. The influence of the Blue and Gray history is still very much alive and woven into the fabric. For many years we had an annual live drama called ‘Our Friends the Enemy’, by the late Beth Davis. It was a remarkably good performance done by locals. I don’t live there now and don’t know if it is still in production, but I do visit. Today, Fitzgerald is still a great place but suffers the economic hardships like all other small rural towns. If you are ever there, visit the Blue and Gray Museum. Also, search eBay for Fitzgerald Ga postccads . There’s tons of picture from turn of the 20th century.
Thanks for the information. I’ll check out the cards.
I was born and raised in Fitzgerald, left for a degree, worked in Atlanta for seven years and moved back in 1977. I am one of those who enjoy taking part in the stage play “Our Friends, the Enemy” and it still resonates with those who see it. It is presented every five years I think. For history buffs like myself, the architectual influences manifest themselves in the varied styles up and down the carefully named streets; those influences brought here by “colonists” from scores of other states. Streets of the original town grid are named for Union generals on the east side, Confederate generals on the west, Georgia rivers on the north side, and Georgia trees on the south side. The four drives on the outside borders are named for Civil War ocean vessels from the North and South. For those of you who have never been here, you need to come see us once anyway.
James Passmore – Like James Campbell, I was born in Fitzgerald, and I grew up in the 50’s and 60’s. There was a real pride in the Blue and Gray theme and everyone was completely devastated when they tore down the existing Lee/Grant Hotel to make room for a Piggly Wiggly Grocery Store. They moved the Lee/Grant Motel later to make the parking lot and later built a new store. The old National Bank of Fitzgerald was demolished to build a new C&S bank (at the time) – then later became Nations Bank and then Bank of America. Many other buildings were demolished in the name of progress and we lost a lot of our landmarks to make room for the new modern facilities. We have been talking a lot lately about all the history we have lost during the years, and can never bring back a landmark. There are a lot of them left and several have commented on trying to ensure the safety of these old landmarks. I moved to the Southside of Richmond, Va. in 2000. I live in a little villiage area called Chester, Va. and it is surprising how many similarities there are here and where I grew up in Fitzgerald. We have a major highway (1 & 301) that is named the Jefferson Davis Highway. I moved 700 miles from Fitzgerald, but there is a constant source of reminders of where I grew up all around me now. I really enjoyed you commentary on Fitzgerald, and it stays with you long after you leave. I am from Fitzgerald, Ga. and I will always feel that Fitzgerald is my Hometown, no matter where I live.
Delighted to get all this feedback. Thanks.
I was born/raised in Fitzgerald. Sadly the town is nothing like it was. Since the old leaders have passed on, the new leaders have no desire, to see Fitzgerald grow.
Well, that’s depressing.
I currently live in Fitzgerald, Georgia. Enjoyed your positive take on the founding of our little town. One small error is your spelling of the governor’s name at that time. Correct spelling is Northen without the second R in the last syllable. Another little tidbit of humor in the planning was that the fire department was intentionally located on Sherman Street.
Noted and corrected. Thanks.