The section of Georgia lying roughly between the Withlacoochee River at Valdosta and the Flint at Bainbridge was the last in the state to be developed. Possibly due to the fact that this area of the state was so thickly covered with virgin pines. Early maps show the area designated as the “Pine Barrens”.

Originally, we were Irwin County to the Florida line until Thomas and Lowndes counties were formed were formed from Irwin. In 1856, Colquitt County was created from Thomas and Lowndes. In 1851, the Atlantic and Gulf Rail line was completed between Savannah and Thomasville. Next came the Boston-Albany (which became the Georgia-Northern Railway) in 1893. By 1910, there were at least three other railroads in Colquitt County which brought about the development of Berlin connected with the organization of the Valdosta, Moultrie and Western Railway Company in 1909.

About the same time, the Moultrie-Valdosta Investment Co. purchased 490 acres from the estate of Mr. Mitchell Brice and Charlie Davis was sent to oversee laying out the town of Berlin and auctioning lots for family dwellings. The auction was a big celebration complete with a brass band and big dinner. A contest was held to name the new community and “Berlin” was submitted on behalf of Miss Annie Grace Davis.

On August 15, 1910 Berlin was granted its charter, becoming the sixth chartered municipality in Colquitt County. The town survived several disasters, including a tornado and destructive fire in 1911. The biggest loss, however, was the final depletion of the vast supply of timber about 1922 and the railroad systems which had played such an important role in the flourishing development of Berlin ceased operations. In 1924, the municipal government of Berlin ceased to exist but in 1947, Berlin experienced a rebirth and continues the spirit of survival with the test of time and family values as a guide.

Excerpts from research by resident, Mrs. J. M. Odom, 1976 and provided to us by Jack Bridwell.
Images Courtesy of the Georgia Archives.