Former Union soldiers founded the city of Fitzgerald, the county seat of Ben Hill County. The city was incorporated on December 2, 1896. The courthouse in Ben Hill County was constructed in 1909 and is listed under the National Register of Historic Places.

The Historic District on South Lee and South Main streets in Fitzgerald is listed on the National Register. The town’s streets are named for Union and Confederate generals. The old railroad depot is home to the Blue and Grey Museum of Civil War memorabilia.