City Hall

History

The land where Walthourville now stands was originally called Sand Hills. It was renamed as Walthourville in 1800 after the “first settler,” Andrew Walthour. Mr. Walthour was a revolutionary soldier and a physician that established a home and plantation in the area around 1795. Walthourville grew when Mr. Walthour donated some of his land to create a union house of worship that had many uses, including an academy, in 1820.

Andrew Walthour was married to Ann Hophmire and they had two daughters and one son. Mr. Walthour passed away in 1824 at the age of 82. He was originally buried in the Midway Cemetery, but after the death of his wife he was moved to her side at the Walthourville Presbyterian Church.

By 1844, Walthourville became one of the most prosperous cities in South Georgia with a population of 700. In 1855 Walthourville grew to be one of the largest and most flourishing villages in Liberty County.

The city has only had five previous mayors, and we are proud to celebrate these individuals:

  1. The first mayor, Mrs. Lyndol Anderson, was the first female mayor in Georgia.
  2. The second mayor, Mrs. Carrie Kent, was the first African American female mayor in Georgia.
  3. The third mayor, Reverend Henry Frasier, Sr., was the first African American male elected in Walthourville.
  4. The fourth mayor, Mrs. Daisy S. Pray who served three terms.
  5. The fifth mayor, Mr. Larry D. Baker, who served from 2020 - 2024.

Some other notable residents of Walthourville include:

  1. Mrs. Celia Davis and Mrs. Hubert, two members of the all female Council elected in 1972 when Walthourville was incorporated as a city.
  2. Mr. Robert Walthour, a descendent of Andrew Walthour and two time World Champion cyclist.
  3. Mr. Raymond Roberts Blake, an accomplished Bradwell Institute alumni and Georgia Tech football player.
  4. Mr. Ralph Waldo Quarterman, the organizer of the Liberty County Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in 1952.

Mayor Daisy S. Pray who continued the work of the first three mayors and their councils, expanded the sewer system citywide, installed traffic safety and relief measures. Mayor Pray added street lights, started a neighborhood watch program, implemented a senior citizen group, created a police department, paved roads, and built a new city hall. In January 2011, the City of Walthourville was recognized by the Georgia Municipal Association as Certified City of Ethics. These actions and this recognition truly exemplify our slogan, “Always Moving, While Improving.”

During the administration of Mayor Larry D. Baker, the City of Walthourville experienced significant improvements to its water infrastructure and fire protection services. Under his leadership, an aerator was installed on one of the city's water wells, enhancing the quality and efficiency of the water system. services. Under his leadership, an aerator was installed on one of the city's water wells, enhancing the quality and efficiency of the water system.

Mayor Baker was also instrumental in strengthening and modernizing the Walthourville Fire Department. During his tenure, the department transitioned from a volunteer-based organization to a full-time department, providing 24-hour fire protection services to the citizens of Walthourville.

In addition, the city acquired three new fire engines, greatly improving its emergency response capabilities. One of the most notable achievements was the acquisition of the city's first ladder truck. Through a partnership with Randall Brackett Fire Apparatus, the city was able to trade in two outdated fire engines for the ladder truck, resulting in substantial savings. The City of Walthourville only incurred the cost of necessary lighting and equipment upgrades, making this a highly cost-effective enhancement to the department's fleet.

Mayor Baker's vision and leadership left a lasting impact on the city's public safety infrastructure and its ability to serve and protect its residents.

 The present mayor is Mayor Sarah B. Hayes, currently in her first term, taking office in January 2024 is no stranger to the City of Walthourville and local government. Mayor Hayes has served as a previous Councilmember and she served as Mayor Pro Tem. Since taking office, Mayor Sarah B. Hayes and her administration have hit the ground running, focusing on growth, infrastructure, and economic development opportunities for the City of Walthourville.

Under Mayor Hayes' leadership, the city has welcomed a new 200-home residential subdivision, bringing additional housing opportunities, growth, and investment to the community. Her administration has also worked closely with state and regional partners on transportation improvements, including the construction of the Bypass Connector within the city limits. This important infrastructure project is expected to improve traffic flow, reduce congestion on local roadways, and enhance transportation accessibility for residents and visitors alike.

Mayor Hayes remains committed to strategic planning, community development, and infrastructure improvements that will position Walthourville for continued growth and success in the years ahead.