Bowdon, established in 1853, was a thriving textile town through most of the past century and continues to support a small, but diverse industrial base, including three of the county’s top employers, Bremen-Bowdon Investment, Carlisle Tire & Wheel and Gold Kist. A 130-acre industrial park offers affordable, prepared sites with full utilities available to business prospects. The city also provides a strong local retail and service sector to area residents. Known as “The Friendly City”, Bowdon is probably best known for its bargain prices at the Bremen-Bowdon Mfg. outlet store offering quality name-brand suits and apparel.
The City’s quaint downtown district located at the bustling crossroads of Georgia Highways 100 and 166, eleven miles south of Interstate 20, is undergoing major revitalization with new specialty shops and restaurants. City officials are partnering with private business to redevelop three blocks of former downtown textile buildings into mixed-use commercial establishments. Long-range plans include pedestrian walkways, shaded parks and off-street parking that invite downtown shopping and public gatherings.
Bowdon is a full-service community governed by a Mayor and four Council members and managed by a full-time City Manager. The city provides water and sewer services, garbage pickup, a local library, and an active recreation department supporting championship gymnastics, basketball, baseball, softball and football programs. The city police department includes 12 sworn officers and a local dispatch service providing optimum protection for this community of 2,000. Health services are provided locally by the Tanner Health System primary care center and Bowdon is home to KidsPeace, a non-profit youth residential treatment facility.
Bowdon proudly promotes its rich heritage and the cultural arts. The active Bowdon Area Historical Society (BAHS) maintains the Shelnutt/Wessinger house, one of the community’s oldest houses, which now serves as a museum dedicated to the history of Bowdon. The house sits adjacent to The Meeting Place, a renovated historic church that is the Society’s headquarters. A BAHS driving tour provides a glimpse into the past of many beautiful historic homes and churches surrounding the City.
Bowdon also boasts Copeland Hall, a 500-seat auditorium and gymnasium complex, which hosts the Sertoma Club annual concert series, sports tournaments and special events. The City welcomes hundreds each August for its annual Founder’s Day Celebration highlighting area entertainment and craftsmen. For more information on Bowdon, visit www.bowdon.net.
