Perry, Georgia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Perry, Georgia
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Perry City Hall
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| Motto(s):
"Where Georgia comes together"
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Location in Houston County and the state of Georgia
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| Country | United States |
| State | Georgia |
| Counties | Houston, Peach |
| Named for | Oliver Hazard Perry |
| Area | |
| • Total | 27.11 sq mi (70.20 km2) |
| • Land | 26.98 sq mi (69.87 km2) |
| • Water | 0.13 sq mi (0.34 km2) |
| Elevation | 364 ft (111 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 20,624 |
| • Density | 764.53/sq mi (295.19/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (EST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code |
31069
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| Area code(s) | 478 |
| FIPS code | 13-60340 |
| GNIS feature ID | 0320389 |
| Website | , |
Perry is a city located in the state of Georgia, in the United States. It is found in two counties: Houston and Peach. Perry is the main city, or county seat, of Houston County.
In 2020, about 20,624 people lived in Perry. The city is also known for hosting the yearly Georgia National Fair. It is part of a larger area that includes nearby cities like Warner Robins.
Contents
History of Perry
Perry was founded in 1823 and was first called "Wattsville". It was chosen as the location for the Houston County courthouse. Soon after, its name was changed to honor Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry. He was a hero from the War of 1812. The town officially became a city on December 9, 1824.
In the early days, Perry had mills for grinding grain and sawmills for cutting wood. Cotton was a very important crop in the 1900s.
Tourism and Growth
Tourism became important to Perry around 1920. This was when U.S. Highway 41, a road leading to Florida, was paved. The New Perry Hotel, first built in 1870, became a famous stop for travelers. Today, the downtown area of Perry is known for its historic buildings and unique shops.
After World War II, Robins Air Force Base was built nearby. This base became a major employer for people in the area. Other companies like Frito-Lay and Perdue Farms also have facilities in Perry.
In the 1960s, Interstate 75 was built through the city. This highway brought even more businesses that serve travelers. The Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter opened in 1990. The Go Fish Georgia Education Center also opened in 2010.
Geography and Location
Perry is located in the western part of Houston County. A small part of the city also extends into Peach County. It sits along Big Indian Creek, which flows into the Ocmulgee River.
Major Roads
Several important roads pass through Perry:
- U.S. Highway 41 goes through the center of the city. It connects Perry to Macon (about 30 miles north) and Unadilla (about 16 miles south).
- Interstate 75 runs along the western side of Perry. This major highway connects Perry to Atlanta (about 106 miles north) and Valdosta (about 123 miles south).
- U.S. Highway 341 also passes through Perry. It leads to Fort Valley (about 12 miles northwest) and Hawkinsville (about 21 miles southeast).
Perry covers a total area of about 27.11 square miles (70.20 square kilometers). Most of this area is land.
Population and People
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1870 | 836 | — | |
| 1880 | 929 | 11.1% | |
| 1890 | 665 | −28.4% | |
| 1900 | 650 | −2.3% | |
| 1910 | 649 | −0.2% | |
| 1920 | 678 | 4.5% | |
| 1930 | 1,398 | 106.2% | |
| 1940 | 1,542 | 10.3% | |
| 1950 | 3,849 | 149.6% | |
| 1960 | 6,032 | 56.7% | |
| 1970 | 7,771 | 28.8% | |
| 1980 | 9,453 | 21.6% | |
| 1990 | 9,452 | 0.0% | |
| 2000 | 9,602 | 1.6% | |
| 2010 | 13,839 | 44.1% | |
| 2020 | 20,624 | 49.0% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
Perry has grown quite a bit over the years. In 2020, the city had 20,624 residents. There were 6,242 households living in Perry.
Most of Perry's residents live in Houston County. A smaller number live in Peach County.
Culture and Events
Perry is a lively city with many fun events and attractions.
Georgia National Fair
The Georgia National Fair is a huge event held every October. It takes place at the Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter in Perry. This fair lasts for 11 days. It features many activities like:
- Agricultural and animal shows
- Art and craft competitions
- Events for youth groups like 4-H and FFA
- A circus and carnival rides
- Delicious fair food
- Live music concerts
- Family entertainment and fireworks every night
Go Fish Education Center
The Go Fish Education Center offers a cool way to learn about Georgia's water and fish. Visitors can explore freshwater aquariums and see different aquatic animals. You can also try catching fish in a special pond. The center has interactive fishing and boating simulators. It's a great place to learn about water pollution and how to protect nature.
The center is open Friday to Sunday. During the week, it often hosts school field trips.
Perry Buzzard Drop
Every New Year's Eve, Perry celebrates with the "Buzzard Drop." This event includes live music, dancing, and souvenirs. It's a unique way to ring in the new year!
Perry Area Historical Museum
The Perry Area Historical Museum helps protect the history of the area. It has exhibits about military life, fashion, education, and local politics. You can see old items and learn about the people who lived here. The museum also has a library with local records and family histories.
Perry Dogwood Festival
The Dogwood Festival happens every April in downtown Perry. This festival celebrates the beautiful dogwood flowers. It includes:
- A pageant and a 5k race
- Arts and crafts for sale
- Food vendors and a kids' play area
- Dog dock-diving competitions
- A hot air balloon rally
Other Fun Things to Do
- Historic Downtown Perry: Explore the charming old buildings and shops.
- The Perry Players Community Theater: Enjoy local plays and performances.
- Perry Historic Walking/Driving Tour: Learn about the city's past on a guided tour.
- Flat Creek Public Fishing Area: A great spot for fishing.
- Georgia Grown Trail 41/341: Discover local farms and products.
- Georgia National Rodeo: See exciting rodeo events.
- Peaches to the Beaches Yard Sale: A huge community yard sale.
- Food Truck Fridays: Enjoy different foods from local food trucks.
- Merchant's Wine Tasting: A chance to try local wines.
- Georgia National Antique & Agriculture Show: See old farm equipment and antiques.
- Small Business Saturday: Support local businesses.
- Perry's Festival of Trees: A festive event during the holidays.
Airport
The Perry-Houston County Airport serves the needs of small planes and private jets. It has a long runway and space for many aircraft. The airport offers repair services, flight lessons, and fuel. It is home to 89 aircraft and has many hangars for storage.
Education
Students in Perry attend schools based on which county they live in:
- If they live in Houston County, they go to schools in the Houston County School System.
- If they live in Peach County, they go to schools in the Peach County School District.
Notable People
Many interesting people have come from Perry, Georgia:
- Ernest Greene: A musician known by his stage name Washed Out.
- Casey Hayward: A professional football player who plays for the Atlanta Falcons.
- Courtney Hodges: A very important General during World War II. He commanded the First United States Army.
- Willis Hunt: A senior federal judge.
- Sam Nunn: A former United States Senator.
- Michelle Nunn: Sam Nunn's daughter, who was born and partly grew up in Perry. She became the CEO of Points of Light.
- Sonny Perdue: A former Governor of Georgia and later the United States Secretary of Agriculture.
- Deborah Roberts: A correspondent for ABC News.
- Ron Simmons: A famous wrestler for WCW and WWE.
- Dontarrious Thomas: A former professional football player for the San Francisco 49ers and Minnesota Vikings.
- Al Thornton: A former NBA basketball player for teams like the Los Angeles Clippers.
- Richard Ray: A former United States Representative.
- Admiral James Harrison Oliver: He was the Director of Navy Intelligence during World War I. He was also the first governor of the Virgin Islands.
- Kanorris Davis: A former professional football player for the New England Patriots.
See also
In Spanish: Perry (Georgia) para niños
