SOUTH GA. (WALB) - Two Southwest Georgia counties share the same creation date, though they were established 35 years apart.

Early County was created first on December 15, 1818. The county was named for Peter Early, who served as a judge, governor and congressman in the late 1700s and early 1800s.

Dougherty County was created on December 15, 1853. The county was named for Charles Dougherty, a lawyer and judge from Athens.

Dougherty County is home to the city of Albany, the Flint River and about 83,000 people.

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