Georgia

The Blue Ridge Mountains in north Georgia are a favorite place for hikers, horseback riders, and those who want to get out to visit the wonderful local waterfalls.

Georgia is famous for many things, not least the popular songs that celebrate its charm and character. Native sons and daughters such as Gladys Knight, Randy Crawford, and Ray Charles have all paid musical tribute to the state. Beyond its cultural influence, Georgia is also a major commercial hub, home to global corporations such as Coca-Cola, UPS, Delta Air Lines, and CNN. Much of this economic activity is centered in Atlanta, which hosted the 1996 Olympic Games and is home to nearly half of the state’s population.

From Friendship to War

Long before the arrival of Europeans in the sixteenth century, Georgia was inhabited by a people known today as the Mound Builders, named for the large earthworks they constructed for burial and ceremonial purposes. Their legacy can still be seen at sites such as Etowah and Ocmulgee.

In 1733, British general James Oglethorpe established the colony of Georgia, naming it in honor of King George II. Oglethorpe fostered friendly relations with Native American tribes and initially prohibited slavery within the colony. After his departure, however, the ban was lifted and slavery became firmly entrenched in Georgia’s economy.

Relations between settlers and Native Americans deteriorated over time. Following the passage of the Indian Removal Act of 1830, Native American communities were forcibly removed from Georgia. The pressure for removal had intensified after gold was discovered in the North Georgia mountains in 1829, sparking a rush of white settlers into tribal lands.

Georgia was one of the thirteen colonies that rebelled against Great Britain during the American Revolution and became the fourth state to ratify the U.S. Constitution. Less than a century later, however, it left the Union and joined the Confederacy at the outbreak of the Civil War. Fierce battles were fought at Kennesaw Mountain, Chickamauga, and Atlanta, and more than 18,000 Georgian soldiers lost their lives fighting for the Confederate cause.

Thriving Economy

Georgia’s landscape is remarkably diverse. The Blue Ridge Mountains dominate the northern part of the state, while the rolling Piedmont Plateau stretches southward toward the Atlantic Coastal Plain. More than 20,000 miles of rivers and streams cross the state, supplying water to its cities and helping define its borders. The Savannah River forms much of the boundary with South Carolina, while the Chattahoochee River marks part of the western border with Alabama.

In the southeast, Georgia’s Atlantic coastline is dotted with a chain of barrier islands known as the Golden Isles, one of the state’s most scenic destinations. Offshore waters attract a variety of marine life, including right whales, humpback whales, sea turtles, and manatees. Inland, Georgia supports an equally rich array of wildlife, from salamanders and alligators to black bears in the mountain regions.

Georgia’s fertile land has long supported a successful agricultural economy. Peanuts, pecans, and peaches—so closely associated with the state that Georgia is known as the “Peach State”—remain important crops. Agriculture is complemented by strong textile, mining, transportation, and manufacturing sectors.

The state’s transportation network is among the busiest in the world. At its heart is Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, widely recognized as the world’s busiest airport. Each year, tens of millions of passengers pass through its terminals, reinforcing Georgia’s role as a major gateway for business, tourism, and international travel.

Helen, Georgia

Nestled in the North Georgia mountains, Helen is a charming alpine-style village inspired by the architecture of Bavaria. Visitors come to enjoy scenic mountain views, outdoor adventures, unique shops, and authentic German cuisine. Throughout the year, festivals and events—especially Oktoberfest—fill the town with lively music, culture, and celebration.

Georgia Queen

Georgia Queen offers a classic paddlewheel cruise along the scenic Savannah River. Guests can enjoy beautiful waterfront views, live entertainment, and Southern hospitality. It’s a relaxing way to experience the history and charm of Savannah.

Six Flags

Six Flags Over Georgia is one of the Southeast’s premier amusement parks, featuring thrilling roller coasters and family-friendly attractions. Visitors can enjoy live shows, water rides, and entertainment for all ages. With excitement around every corner, it’s a favorite destination for fun-filled days near Atlanta.

Statehood

January 2, 1788

Fun Facts

Juliette Gordon Low founded the Girl Scouts of the USA in Savannah, Georgia, in 1912.

Atlanta houses Tyler Perry Studios, one of the largest film production facilities in the country.

Georgia produces nearly half of all the peanuts grown in the United States and is the nation’s largest producer of pecans and Vidalia onions.

The famous “Tree That Owns Itself” is located in Athens, Georgia, legally holding ownership of itself and the land surrounding it.