In 1896, Indianapolis lawyer Philander H. Fitzgerald hatched the idea of founding Fitzgerald, Georgia. He had served in the Civil War as a drummer boy and wanted to see a place where soldiers from both sides of the war could live in harmony. Much of the Midwest was in an extreme drought, and Georgia's governor had just sent supplies north to help. Fitzgerald contacted the governor, who was anxious to see people move into the Wiregrass region, and the two worked out a plan to create a new city.
Fitzgerald advertised heavily in the north for veterans who wanted to move south to the newly developed four-square-mile town that had streets named for Union and Confederate soldiers. Over 2,600 people from Northern states took him up on the offer, with many saying the beautiful climate was why they decided to make the move. Town officials held an annual picnic to honor men and women who had fought on both sides of the war. One of the first public works projects in the United States saw workers constructing a four-story hotel in this city named the Lee-Grant Hotel. The town continued to host these picnics until 1890. You can learn more by visiting the Blue and Gray Museum. The museum contains over 1,200 Civil War and early Fitzgerald artifacts.
Of the original settlers, about 60% were from the Midwest, 35% were from the South, and 5% were from other states. Those settlers brought building styles that they were familiar with to the new city, so take a drive around this community of about 9,000 people and spot the different styles in the early homes. Many of these homes are open for touring at Christmastime. You will also want to stop and get a bite to eat at the local restaurants. Sample the delicious Southern pastries at Our Daily Bread Bakery and Café or try the Nabila's Garden Restaurant buffet.
Wild Chicken Festival – This March festival in the downtown area features a pancake breakfast, a 5K run, a pinewood derby, an artisan market, a classic car cruise, street vendors, and a crowing contest.
Fourth of July Celebration – Eat free hot dogs and chips, participate in a watermelon-eating contest, listen to live bands, and watch the fireworks show at Paulk Park.
Harmony Jubilee – You will want to sample wine and cheese before riding in a hot air balloon at this September festival in Paulk Park.
Congaree National Park is a fascinating place to go from mid-May to mid-June when synchronized fireflies light up the night sky. Even if you miss this event, you will want to hike along the boardwalk to see the old-growth Cyprus trees at this park that are dripping with Spanish moss. Go on a canoeing adventure to spot wildlife and see the large beaver dams. This park's Longleaf Campground offers tent and hammock camping.
General Coffee State Park is a terrific place to learn about Georgia's agricultural history. There are log cabins, a corn crib, a tobacco barn, and a cane mill to explore. You can also see many heritage animals, including goats, sheep, chickens, pigs, and donkeys. This state park has 50 campsites for dry camping.
Little Ocmulgee State Park is a fantastic location to spend a hot summer day swimming in the pool and having a picnic. The peaceful lake is ideal for a paddling adventure. Challenge your friends to a game of golf on Wallace Adams Golf Course.
Reed Bingham State Park is another ideal spot for water lovers. It is especially popular with anglers who come here to catch bass, crappie, catfish, and bream. You can rent canoes and kayaks to play on the 357-acre lake. Head here in the winter to see nesting bald eagles.
Jefferson Davis State Historic Site is about 11 miles southwest of Fitzgerald. This is the spot where Jefferson Davis was captured during the Civil War after federal troops mistakenly fired on each other, killing two Union soldiers. Laurence Tompkins created Davis' bust while the United Daughters of the Confederacy paid for the granite base, which contains a relief of Davis' capture. Stop at the Civil War Museum at this location to see the film and artifacts to learn more about the events that took place here. There are many other Georgia landmarks nearby that you may want to check out.
You can find terrific campgrounds throughout Georgia. Anglers and shrimpers may want to consider Coastal GA RV Resort at Brunswick. If you want to explore historic Savannah, then Red Gate Farms, where campers have assembled since 1931, may be a perfect choice. Pine Mountain RV Resort features a camp store, seasonal pool, lounge, and playground.
Motorhomes are divided into Class A, B, and C vehicles. On average expect to pay $185 per night for Class A, $149 per night for Class B and $179 per night for Class C. Towable RVs include 5th Wheel, Travel Trailers, Popups, and Toy Hauler. On average, in Fitzgerald, GA, the 5th Wheel trailer starts at $70 per night. Pricing for the Travel Trailer begins at $60 per night, and the Popup Trailer starts at $65 per night.
Do you need to be a certain age to rent an RV in Fitzgerald?Yes. The minimum age is 25 to be eligible to get an RV Rental in Fitzgerald from RVshare.
Does RVshare have emergency roadside assistance?Yes. Every RV rental booked through RVshare receives 24/7 emergency roadside assistance.
Does RVshare offer one way RV rentals in Fitzgerald?Yes. Prior to renting any RV, check with the owner since not all will offer this particular option.
