Calendar Review
Governor Melvin E. Thompson Historical Exhibit
On Display All Month
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In honor of National Historic Preservation Month, the City of Valdosta celebrates the life of Governor Melvin E. Thompson through a historical exhibit at City Hall. May 1st would have been Governor Thompson's 108th birthday. Governor Thompson was a Valdostan with a remarkable life, who came from simple beginnings to become Georgia's first Lieutenant Governor. Although his governorship began with the "Three Governors Controversy" and lasted only 20 months, he was able to make several profound accomplishments around the state, including the acquisition of Jekyll Island, now a Georgia State Park and National Historic Landmark. After serving as governor, M.E. Thompson came home to Valdosta, where he helped establish the Azalea City Industrial Park and Valdosta Technical College (now Wiregrass Georgia Technical College). Governor M. E. Thompson was a man of great character and vision, who improved not only his local community, but also the State of Georgia.