Damascus, Georgia

Damascus is a city in Early County, Georgia, United States. The population was 212 in the 2020 census, down from 254 in the 2010 census.

History
An early variant name was Kestler. An act of Georgia General Assembly officially changed the name to Damascus in 1914. The present name is a transfer from nearby Old Damascus, which it was named for Damascus, Syria. Old Damascus would be bypassed when a new railroad line was being built through the area.

In 2021, an EF2 tornado struck the area south of town, causing major damage and injuring five people.

On June 14, 2023, a tornado struck the town destroying a home and slightly injuring three people.

Geography
Damascus is located in eastern Early County at 31.29861°N, -84.7175°W (31.298580, -84.717429). Georgia State Route 45 passes through the community, leading north 10 mi to Arlington and south 9 mi to Colquitt. Georgia State Route 200 also passes through the center of town, leading east 24 mi to Newton and northwest 15 mi to Blakely, the Early County seat.

According to the United States Census Bureau, Damascus has a total area of 4.6 km2, of which 0.02 km2, or 0.48%, is water.

Demographics
In 2020, the city had a population of 212, down from 254 in 2010 and 277 in 2000.

Education
Public school students are zoned to the Early County School District which operates three schools in Blakely: Early County Elementary School, Early County Middle School, and Early County High School.

Damascus is home to Southwest Georgia Academy, which was founded in 1970 as a segregation academy and participates in the Georgia Independent School Association. Its property formerly housed Damascus High School.

Notable people

 * Robbie Robinson, bodybuilder, actor, three-time Mr. Universe overall winner
 * Shawn Williams (American football), football player, Atlanta Falcons