A river does not run through Douglas. There are no major airports nearby. The closest interstate is over an hour away in any direction. In every practical sense, it is in the middle of nowhere; nonetheless, people have been traveling to Douglas to make a living since its founding. The town is the product of rural industrialization. Businessmen from the Carolinas saw opportunity in the piney woods of Douglas, and they brought art, architecture, and business with them. In the historic district, there are the architectural wonders of William J.J. Chase, Abreu and Robeson, and Haralson Bleckley on Gaskin Avenue. The Ashley-Slater House is farther up the road and is said to be haunted and its story full of romance and scandal. While small in size and remote in location, Douglas strives to grow along with the rest of the country. Almost as early as the town was founded, South Georgia State College, one of the original members of the University System of Georgia, brought education and innovation to the community. That tradition continues with a 2011 mission change to allow SGSC to grant limited four-year degrees.