Fort Valley

Founded in 1856, Fort Valley is the county seat of Peach County and home to 8,780 residents, according to the 2020 Census. This charming Southern town is known for its tree-lined streets, beautifully preserved historic homes, and strong sense of community, guided by a dedicated mayor, city council, and professional police and fire departments. Widely celebrated as the “Peach Capital of the World,” Fort Valley is the heart of Georgia’s largest peach-producing region. Lane Southern Orchards, located on the edge of town, exemplifies this legacy with its expansive peach packing and retail facility—now a favorite destination for tourists. Fort Valley also boasts a rich industrial and educational heritage. It is the birthplace and corporate headquarters of the Blue Bird Corporation, one of the nation’s leading school bus manufacturers. The city is also home to Fort Valley State University, a historically Black university with deep roots in the community, and the American Camellia Society, which celebrates one of the South’s most iconic flowers. Railroad history runs deep here as well. Visitors can still see the town’s original passenger station and the old freight terminal and switching station—remarkably preserved since their construction by the Central of Georgia Railroad at the turn of the 20th century. Downtown Fort Valley is experiencing a vibrant revival. Several historic commercial buildings have been restored, most notably the Austin Theatre. Once abandoned for over 30 years, this early-20th-century movie house has been beautifully renovated into a thriving arts center, serving as a symbol of Fort Valley’s resilience and creative spirit.