Baxley, Georgia History, Economy and Politics
Baxley is a small city located in Appling County, Georgia. It is situated along the Altamaha River, near the border of Georgia and South Carolina. The city covers an area of 6.2 square miles and has a population of 5,400 people as of 2020. Visit Clothesbliss to learn about Appling County, Georgia.
The geography of Baxley is mostly flat with some rolling hills to the north and east. The terrain is mostly forested with pine trees but there are also some cleared areas for agricultural use. The city lies at an elevation of around 200 feet above sea level and the climate is humid subtropical with hot summers and mild winters.
The main feature in Baxley’s geography is the Altamaha River which runs through the city from north to south and provides access to both Appling County Lake and Lake Mayers to the east. The river also serves as a popular destination for fishing, boating, kayaking, canoeing, or other recreational activities.
Baxley’s geography also features several parks including Stephen C Foster State Park which offers camping sites, hiking trails, nature walks, fishing spots, bird watching opportunities, picnic areas, playgrounds for children and much more. Other parks in Baxley include Big Creek Park which offers leisurely walking trails alongside a creek along with picnic tables and grills; Okeefenokee National Wildlife Refuge which provides a sanctuary for thousands of species of birds; Jeffords Park which has playground equipment; and Smith-Curtis Park which has two ball fields that are used by local sports teams.
Overall, Baxley’s geography provides its citizens with plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy while living in this small town nestled along the banks of the Altamaha River in south Georgia. From fishing trips on Lake Mayers or camping at Stephen C Foster State Park to exploring nature trails or playing on playground equipment at one of many parks in town – Baxley offers something for everyone!
History of Baxley, Georgia
Baxley, Georgia is located in Appling County and has a population of 5,400 people as of 2020. It was first settled in 1820 by the Smith family and officially incorporated as a city in 1871. The city was named after a local storekeeper, William Baxley.
The early growth of Baxley was fueled by the timber industry and the nearby railway. The railroad connected Baxley to other cities in Georgia, allowing for goods to be transported easily and quickly. During this period, many workers from Scotland and Ireland immigrated to Baxley seeking employment opportunities.
During the Civil War, Baxley served as an important supply center for Confederate troops which led to its occupation by Union forces in 1865. After the war ended, many freed slaves flocked to Baxley looking for a new start and they would go on to become some of the first African American residents of the city.
In 1923, a devastating fire destroyed most of downtown Baxley but it was quickly rebuilt with brick buildings that still stand today. In addition to rebuilding the city’s infrastructure, this period also saw an influx of new businesses including general stores, banks, hotels and more.
Today Baxley is known as “The City Of Possibilities” due to its diverse economic base which includes agriculture, manufacturing and tourism. It continues to be an important stop on Amtrak’s Silver Star line connecting it with other cities throughout Georgia as well as Florida and South Carolina.
Economy of Baxley, Georgia
Baxley, Georgia is a small town with a population of approximately 4,400 people. It is located in Appling County and is part of the Brunswick Metropolitan Statistical Area. The economy of Baxley is largely driven by the agricultural industry, with its main crops being peanuts, corn, soybeans, and cotton. Additionally, the area also has several poultry farms that produce eggs and other poultry products. Logging is another major industry in the area; several sawmills are located in and around town.
In addition to these industries, there are several small businesses located in Baxley that employ locals and contribute to the local economy. These include restaurants, retail stores, auto repair shops, medical offices, banks and financial institutions. Tourism also plays an important role in the local economy; visitors come from all over to enjoy Baxley’s rich history and culture as well as its numerous outdoor recreational activities such as fishing and hunting. There are also several festivals throughout the year that attract people from far away places. Baxley has much to offer visitors looking for a unique experience; from its historic downtown district to its many outdoor attractions there’s something for everyone here!
Politics in Baxley, Georgia
Baxley, Georgia is a small town located in Appling County and is part of the Brunswick Metropolitan Statistical Area. The politics of Baxley are largely driven by local interests, with an emphasis on supporting the area’s agricultural industry. In addition to this, there is also a focus on creating jobs and improving the quality of life for residents. The town is served by an elected mayor and a town council consisting of five members. Elections are held every two years for both positions.
The mayor is responsible for overseeing all operations within the city limits and works with the town council to enact policy decisions that benefit the community. The mayor also has veto power over any decisions made by the council, though this can be overridden if two-thirds of council members vote in favor of a particular measure.
The town council has responsibility for approving budgets, setting tax rates, and making zoning regulations. They also have authority to pass ordinances that regulate activities within Baxley’s city limits. In addition to this, they meet regularly to discuss issues that affect the citizens of Baxley as well as those from other areas in Appling County.
Overall, Baxley’s political system promotes open dialogue between its citizens and elected officials so that everyone can have their voices heard on important matters affecting their lives. This encourages civic participation and helps ensure that all opinions are taken into account when making decisions about how best to move forward with initiatives that will benefit the entire community.
