Albany, County seat city in southwestern Georgia, United States.
Albany is a county seat city in southwestern Georgia, located where the Flint River curves through downtown and forms a natural centerpiece for the community. The river creates parks along its banks, while residential neighborhoods, commercial zones, and public buildings spread across gentle hills that surround the valley.
Nelson Tift founded the city in 1836 as a trading post on the river, and within a few decades it grew into a railroad junction. By the late 1800s, seven rail lines ran through the city, connecting it to markets across the South.
The Albany Civil Rights Institute preserves the history of the 1960s movement, when local activists worked to challenge segregation and restore voting rights.
The city sits along several major highways, so drivers from neighboring regions arrive easily, while many points of interest lie within walking distance of downtown. Summer temperatures can rise above 90°F (32°C), so spring or fall often feels more comfortable for longer walks.
A bronze sculpture in the shape of a rotating piano sits in Ray Charles Plaza, playing music by the singer who was born here in 1930. The installation turns slowly and carries melodies across the square, creating a moving tribute to the musician.
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