Thomson (originally called Slashes) is a city and the county seat of McDuffie County, Georgia, United States. The population was 6,814 at the 2020 census. Thomson's nickname is "The Camellia City of the South", in honor of the thousands of camellia plants throughout the city. Thomson was founded in 1837 as a depot on the Georgia Railroad. It was renamed in 1853 for railroad official John Edgar Thomson and incorporated February 15, 1854 as a town and in 1870 as a city. It is part of the Augusta – Richmond County Metropolitan Statistical Area.

History

Thomson, originally called "Slashes", was founded in 1837 as a depot on the Georgia Railroad. It was renamed in 1853 for railroad official John Edgar Thomson. In 1870, Thomson was designated seat of the newly formed McDuffie County. It was incorporated as a town in 1854 and as a city in 1870. The Old Rock House, built in 1785, is said to be one of Georgia's oldest documented houses with its original design intact. Built by Thomas Ansley, the home is said to be the home of ancestors of former president Jimmy Carter. Thomson is also the birthplace of Populist leader and two-time presidential candidate Thomas E. Watson. Thomson had a minor league baseball team. An affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, the Thomson Orioles became members of the 1956 six–team the Class D level Georgia State League. Playing home games at The Brickyard, Thomson led the league in attendance and qualified for the playoffs. The Georgia State League permanently folded following the 1956 season.

Geography

Thomson is located at 33.46722°N, -82.49944°W (33.467346, −82.499450). According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.95 sqmi, all land. Thomson is considered part of the Central Savannah River Area geographical designation.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States census, there were 6,814 people, 2,581 households, and 1,610 families residing in the city.

Landmarks

Education

The McDuffie County School District holds pre-school to grade twelve, and consists of four elementary schools, a middle school, a high school and an alternative school. The district has 262 full-time teachers and over 4,312 students.

Notable people