As one of the original 13 colonies, Georgia’s history is long and storied. From Civil War battlefields to the streets of Savannah, the Peach State holds some of the best sight-seeing in the South.
History of Georgia
Established in 1732 as one of the original Thirteen Colonies, Georgia was named after King George II of Great Britain. Georgia’s first city, Savannah, was founded the next year. After fighting on the winning side in the American Revolution, Georgia became the 4th state when her voters ratified the U.S. Constitution on January 2, 1788. Becoming home to a plantation economy, the state thrived as an agricultural powerhouse using slave labor to build mighty fields and incredible houses (many of which still stand). This all came to an end in the 1860s, when Georgia’s location and importance to the Confederacy ensured that Union armies pillaged and savaged the countryside. In 1870, she was the last state to join the Union again, a full five years after the war had ended.
Rebuilding from the ashes, Georgia used its location to become a transportation and communications hub for the southeast. That heritage holds today, as Atlanta’s airport is the largest in the world, and Savannah’s port soldiers on. Atlanta held the Summer Olympics in 1996, showing its first-class nature on the world stage.
Today, Georgia holds Atlanta, the largest, and Savannah, one of the best-preserved cities in America. The old and the new seem to coexist here peaceably, as Georgians have recognized the importance of recognizing the past.
Travel Tips for Georgia
Visiting multiple state parks? A state park or historic site pass might be a good deal.
Atlanta traffic is bad. Just expect a traffic jam.
Atlanta traffic doesn’t just affect the area near downtown Atlanta. It has spread from all the suburbs, local cities and all the way to Lake Lanier and further. The roads southeast of Lake Lanier have not been widened or adapted to the amount of people that live in that area.
Drivers in Georgia can be a bit aggressive and tailgatey. Lots of giant trucks in cities.
Expect gross weather from June-September in Northern Georgia. Hot, steamy weather, afternoon storms and lots of bugs in the woods.
Expect Floridian weather in coastal Georgia, which is considered sub-tropical. May to October can be unbearable at times. Limit outdoor activities, especially in the afternoon. The forecast might only say that the high is going to be 85 (30 Celsius), but heat index will be 105 (45 Celsius). Pay attention to that heat index. Better yet, Coastal Georgia is best seen October-May. Expect strong thunderstorms every afternoon somewhere.
Avoid Tybee Island, it’s an over-developed and overpriced tourist trap.
Places to See
Map shows where I have been in Georgia and other places I haven’t been to but look awesome (maroon color). Click on the links for posts for the places I’ve been!
Check out these posts on the Peach State!
