John Rice Carter: “I rise today to honor the bicentennial celebration of Lowndes County, Georgia. Two hundred years ago, the Georgia State…”

“I rise today to honor the bicentennial celebration of Lowndes County, Georgia. Two hundred years ago, the Georgia State legislature established Lowndes County, named after a prominent lawyer and Congressman from South Carolina. The area quickly became a haven for settlers seeking opportunity and prosperity, evolving with the times while never losing its sense of community. From moving entire towns to meet the railroad's arrival in the 1850s to developing thriving industries like textiles, timber, and turpentine, the county spirit of adaptability is evident throughout its history. Today, the county and the city of Valdosta are still thriving, being a critical hub for Georgia with Valdosta State University and having nicknames like Winnersville and Title Town. Not only does it have culture, but it offers thousands of acres of beautiful wetlands from the Grand Bay swamp. These traditions, these values, and achievements make Lowndes County a shining example of Georgia's enduring spirit and a model community to be honored and emulated. I congratulate Lowndes County on 200 years. Here is to 200 more.”