Bainbridge is a city in Decatur County, Georgia, United States. The city is the county seat of Decatur County. As of the 2020 census, the city had a population of 14,468, up from 12,697 at the 2010 census. It is the principal city of the Bainbridge, Georgia Micropolitan Statistical Area and a principal city in the Tallahassee—Bainbridge, FL-GA Combined Statistical Area.

History

The first European settlement in what is today Bainbridge was a trading post set up by James Burges in the late 18th century. From him comes the name Burges's Bluff. The town was named after U.S. Navy Commodore William Bainbridge, commander of the USS Constitution ("Old Ironsides"), and was incorporated on December 22, 1829. In 1824, Bainbridge was designated seat of the newly formed Decatur County. On October 10, 2018, Bainbridge fell victim to Hurricane Michael. The storm left widespread damage through the city limits, including downed trees, power lines, and structural damage. Many residents affected suffered severe damage to their homes.

Geography

Bainbridge is located in the center of Decatur County. The city is in southwestern Georgia along U.S. Routes 27 and 84, which form a bypass around the southern part of the city. U.S. Route 27 leads southeast 42 mi to Tallahassee, Florida, and north 128 mi to Columbus. U.S. Route 84 leads east 38 mi to Thomasville and northwest 54 mi to Dothan, Alabama. Other highways which run through the city include Georgia State Routes 97, 253, 309, and 311. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 52.0 sqkm, of which 48.7 sqkm is land and 3.3 sqkm, or 6.40%, is water. Bainbridge is located on the Flint River, which flows southwest to meet the Chattahoochee. Together they form the Apalachicola River which flows to the Gulf of Mexico. At the junction of the two rivers, the Jim Woodruff Dam forms Lake Seminole. A system of locks at the dam allows barge traffic to travel between the inland port at Bainbridge and the Gulf of Mexico.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States census, there were 14,468 people, 4,471 households, and 3,111 families residing in the city.

Economy

It was announced in December 2019 that Brazil-based gun manufacturer Taurus had been granted a $39 million tax-incentive package to move from the Miami, Florida area to Bainbridge in return for creating 300 jobs. The package includes $20 million for construction, $7.9 million in tax credits, $4.5 million for infrastructure, $4.3 million in property-tax abatements, and $3 million for equipment, in addition to a land lease arrangement of $1/year for 73 acre of land. The subsidy totals $130,000 per job.

Arts and culture

Arts

Annual cultural events

River Town Days is held each year the second weekend of March. The Swine Time Festival and Decatur County Fall Festival and Fair are annual events.

National Register of Historic Places

The Decatur County Courthouse was constructed in 1902, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Also listed on the Register is the First African Missionary Baptist Church.

Public library

The Decatur County Gilbert H. Gragg Library is located in Bainbridge. The library serves the population of Decatur County and acts as the headquarters for the Southwest Georgia Regional Library.

Education

Decatur County School District

The Decatur County School District holds pre-school to grade 12, and consists of two primary schools, one elementary school, one middle school, and a high school. The district has 384 full-time teachers and over 5,782 students. Schools include:

Other schools

Parks and recreation

The Bainbridge-Decatur County YMCA opened on September 15, 1986. Its building had a cost of $1,000,000.

Infrastructure

Transportation

The city is a seaport linked to the Gulf of Mexico via Florida's Apalachicola River. Officially known as Port Bainbridge, these facilities are managed entirely by the Georgia Ports Authority. The Decatur County Industrial Air Park, located 6 mi northwest of the city, provides general aviation service to the community.

Notable people