James G. Woodward

Who was James G. Woodward?

James G. Woodward was an American newspaperman and politician, having served as the 36th, 39th and 43rd Mayor of Atlanta, Georgia.

A friend of the working man, he made his living as printer through the newsrooms of the Atlanta Journal and Constitution over the years. He won Mayor in 1899 and won again when he was eligible in 1904, but the next time he was eligible things didn't go so smoothly. He won the 1908 Democratic primary but was arrested for public intoxication less than a month before the December general election and was defeated by Robert Maddox. He served his third and fourth terms following Courtland Winn. Trying for a fifth term as Atlanta mayor, he ran in September 1922, a year before his death.

1916 plaque located in Piedmont Park and listing the mayor and members of a local bridge committee.

Woodward Bridge in Piedmont Park.