Bowdon

Bowdon was formed in 1853 by Nathaniel Shellnut. Early settlers bid on lots to build stores, livery stables and a doctor's office.

Shellnut's house is one of the oldest structures in the city.  It is vacant and is located behind the Warren Sewell Library.

The "Cerro Gordo" post office was established Sept. 16, 1847.  The name was changed  to Bowdon, ten months later, in honor of Frank Welsh Bowdon, congressman of the Seventh District of Alabama. People of the time did not accept "Cerro Gordo," a Spanish name meaning large hill, due to the fact that  Gen. Winfield Scott destroyed a large Mexican army, under Santa Anna, at Cerro Gordo.

Bowdon was incorporated December 13, 1859, by the state legislature.

The 1860 Census showed a population of 304 with the 2006 population at 1,986 residents.

Mayor Jim Watts                   Bowdon City Hall
136 City Hall Avenue
Bowdon, GA 30108
Phone: 770-258-8980
http://Bowdon.net