REMERTON — Surrounded by the city of Valdosta, landlocked on a mere 130 acres, and steeped in history lies the city of Remerton.

A city within a city, the Remerton of today is a thriving hub of businesses, restaurants and homes. With 78 businesses and a population of 1,500, all located on one square mile of land, the area is compact but highly attractive to nearby college students, businesses and restaurants interested in selling alcohol on Sunday.

Incorporated in 1952, the city dates back to 1899 when a group of local businessmen came together in the office of Merchants Bank to incorporate a mill company. The mill was named Strickland Cotton Mill Inc. for the majority stockholders and the mill village was named Remerton for Remer Lane, the president of the bank and a stockholder in the mill.

The 100-year old houses now occupied by a variety of shops and restaurants were once homes for the workers at the mill. For years, only employees and their families were allowed to live in the village.

Today, the city has its own mayor, Al Brooks, a five-member city council, and police and fire services. The area is a designated historic site and the residents have voted numerous times to prevent the city of Valdosta from annexing Remerton.

The city received a boost in restaurant business when, in July of 1996, the residents voted to approve the sale of alcohol on Sunday.

City Clerk Mary Sayers said they often get inquiries from other restaurants interested in moving to Remerton but the city is running out of space for them and was unsuccessful in an effort to annex additional adjacent property.

A quaint and quiet shopping village by day and a popular club scene by night, Remerton is a successful blend of culture and entertainment.

The following are profiles of several of the city’s businesses, from the oldest to the newest.