February 9, 2003 Lee County- Taking a trip down what will become Forrester Parkway is like taking a trip back into time. In the late 1800's trains ran through much of Lee County including a little whistle-stop town called Forrester.
"They probably owned four to five hundred acres in this area and that's why the whistle-stop was called Forrester," explains Lee Stanley.
But the family wasn't just known for the town, they literally ran Lee County. The Forrester family included a congressman, judge, attorney, tax commissioner, sheriff, minister, and even a Civil War veteran.
Betty Johnson is the current tax commissioner, a job her aunt held years ago. She says having a job at the courthouse wasn't like work at all because with all the relatives around her, she felt like she was at home.
When the Chamber of Commerce decided East-West Connector wasn't a suitable name, Lee Stanley came up with the name Forrester Parkway, and the county commission agreed unanimously.
Though few direct Forrester descendants are still alive, those are say they are proud to have the six miles long, 5.5 million dollar road named after the family.
"I was real excited and I know they'd all be honored and happy as they could be if they were here to see it," says Betty Johnson, niece of Beulah Forrester.
As the bridge is erected and the road is carved out the legacy of a family of both civic and political leaders will be embedded in every inch Forrester Parkway.
The construction for the roadway began one year ago. It should be completed by December.
Posted at 6:20 PM by elaine.armstrong@walb.com
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