Cities and Towns in Early County, Georgia
Founded in 1818, Early County is one of 159 counties in the state of Georgia. The city of Blakely is the county seat. With FIPS code of 99, Early County has a population of 10,619 and area of 511 square miles (1,323 km²).
List of all cities in Early County, GA alphabetically
City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
Blakely, GA | 39823 | 229 |
Cedar Springs, GA | 39832 | 229 |
Damascus, GA | 39841 | 229 |
Jakin, GA | 39861 | 229 |
Major Cities and Towns in Early County, Georgia
Blakely
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 17.6 square miles
- Population: 4,688 (as of the 2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 39823
- Latitude: 31.3771° N
- Longitude: 84.9344° W
Location and History
Blakely is the county seat and largest city in Early County, Georgia. Founded in 1825 and named after Johnston Blakeley, a naval hero from the War of 1812, Blakely developed as an agricultural hub in the southwestern part of the state. The town’s economy was historically based on cotton farming, and it served as a vital market and transportation center for the surrounding rural areas. Blakely’s historic courthouse square, surrounded by stately old buildings, is a testament to its long history and importance in the region. The city retains much of its historical charm with numerous structures listed on the National Register of Historic Places, reflecting its significance as a center of commerce and governance in the region.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Blakely is served by the Early County School District, with Early County High School being the primary educational institution in the area. The city is home to several notable landmarks, including the Early County Courthouse, built in 1905, which is the centerpiece of the downtown square and is one of the most architecturally significant courthouses in Georgia. Another key site is the Kolomoki Mounds State Park, located just outside Blakely, which preserves some of the largest and oldest Native American earthworks in the southeastern United States. The park provides educational programs and recreational opportunities such as hiking and fishing. Blakely’s Peanut Proud Festival, celebrating the city’s role in peanut farming, is an annual event that highlights the city’s agricultural heritage and brings together the community for a weekend of fun, music, and food.
Arlington
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 3.5 square miles
- Population: 1,209 (as of the 2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 39813
- Latitude: 31.4385° N
- Longitude: 84.7241° W
Location and History
Arlington is a small town located in the northeastern part of Early County, near the borders of Calhoun and Baker counties. The town was incorporated in 1873 and developed as a railroad town, serving as an important transportation hub for the agricultural products of the surrounding farmlands. Arlington’s history is deeply tied to the rise and fall of the railroad industry, which spurred its growth in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Cotton, peanuts, and timber have historically been the mainstays of the local economy, and the town has retained much of its rural charm despite changes in the agricultural industry over the years. Arlington is known for its quiet, small-town atmosphere and its rich history.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Arlington is part of the Early County School District, with students attending schools in nearby Blakely. The town is home to several historic buildings, including the Arlington Historic District, which features early 20th-century commercial and residential architecture. The Bank of Arlington building, constructed in 1906, is one of the town’s most prominent landmarks and reflects the prosperity that the town enjoyed during its peak years. The nearby Arlington Baptist Church, established in the 1800s, is another key landmark that serves as a gathering place for the community. Arlington hosts an annual Peanut Festival, which celebrates the town’s agricultural heritage and brings residents together for a day of family-friendly activities, including a parade, crafts, and food vendors.
Damascus
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 1.0 square mile
- Population: 254 (as of the 2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 39841
- Latitude: 31.2977° N
- Longitude: 84.7188° W
Location and History
Damascus is a small town located in the southwestern part of Early County, Georgia. The town was incorporated in 1897 and developed as a rural agricultural community, with its economy traditionally based on cotton and peanut farming. Damascus, like many small towns in the region, grew up around the farming industry and served as a local center for commerce and social life for the surrounding rural areas. Although the town has remained small, its history is deeply connected to the agricultural developments of the region, and it has preserved much of its rural charm and community spirit.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Damascus is part of the Early County School District, with students attending schools in nearby Blakely. The town is home to several historic buildings, including the Damascus Baptist Church, which has been a central part of the community for over a century. The church serves not only as a place of worship but also as a gathering place for community events and social activities. The surrounding area offers opportunities for outdoor activities, such as hunting and fishing, which are popular pastimes among local residents. Despite its small size, Damascus is known for its strong sense of community and its annual events, such as church gatherings and local fairs, which help maintain the town’s close-knit atmosphere.
Jakin
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 3.1 square miles
- Population: 130 (as of the 2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 39861
- Latitude: 31.0861° N
- Longitude: 84.9829° W
Location and History
Jakin is a small town located in the southwestern corner of Early County, near the Alabama state line. The town was incorporated in 1895 and grew as a result of the expansion of the railroad and the development of the local agricultural industry. Jakin’s economy has historically been based on farming, with peanuts and cotton being the primary crops. The town served as a local hub for the transportation of agricultural products and provided essential services to the surrounding rural areas. Over the years, Jakin has remained a small, rural community with a strong emphasis on agriculture and a close-knit population.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Jakin is part of the Early County School District, with students attending schools in nearby Blakely. The town is home to several historic landmarks, including the Jakin United Methodist Church, which has been a key part of the community since its founding. The church, along with other local institutions, serves as a focal point for community life and hosts various events throughout the year. The town’s rural setting and agricultural heritage are reflected in the surrounding landscape, which features vast fields and farmland. Jakin’s annual events, such as local fairs and church gatherings, help to maintain the town’s strong sense of community and tradition. Despite its small size, Jakin plays an important role in the agricultural economy of Early County.
Cedar Springs
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: Unincorporated community
- Population: Approx. 80 (as of the latest estimates)
- Zip Codes: 39832
- Latitude: 31.1982° N
- Longitude: 85.0049° W
Location and History
Cedar Springs is an unincorporated community located in the southeastern part of Early County, near the Chattahoochee River and the Alabama border. The community developed in the early 20th century, primarily as a result of the expansion of the agricultural industry in the region. Cedar Springs was historically a center for timber and farming, with a focus on crops such as peanuts, cotton, and corn. Although it has always been a small community, Cedar Springs has played an important role in the local economy due to its proximity to the river, which facilitated the transport of goods and materials. The community is known for its rural charm and peaceful environment.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Cedar Springs is part of the Early County School District, with students attending schools in nearby Blakely or Jakin. The community is home to several small landmarks, including local churches that have served as the heart of community life for many years. The surrounding area offers opportunities for outdoor recreation, particularly along the Chattahoochee River, where residents and visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, and nature walks. Cedar Springs’ history is closely tied to the agricultural and timber industries, and its small population reflects the rural character of the region. Despite its size, Cedar Springs is a community with a strong sense of identity and a deep connection to the natural landscape of Early County.