Southeast Getaway
Georgia State Information
Located in the southeastern United States, Georgia is one of the
country's most diverse states. Georgia encompasses metro Atlanta with nearly
4 million people; 100 miles of coastline; the foothills of the Appalachian
Mountains; multiple rivers and fertile farmland. Georgia melds the best of
the old South historic sites and well-known hospitality with new burgeoning
business growth, big-city culture and international trade.
CAPITAL: Atlanta
POPULATION: 8,383,915 according to the 2001 U.S. Census
HISTORY:
Originally inhabited by several Native American tribes including Creek
and Cherokee, Georgia was established by the British in 1733 when General
James Edward Oglethorpe and English colonists landed on the coast and
settled what is now Savannah, the nation's first planned city. The state was
named in honor of King George II of England. Georgia later became the final
of the original 13 American colonies. After the Revolutionary War, on
January 2, 1788, Georgia became the fourth state to ratify the new United
States Constitution.
CLIMATE:
Some states have two. Others three. But Georgia has all four. Four
beautiful seasons - with an average year-round temperature of 65°F, perfect
for any outdoor activity. Winters are mild with an average high of 55°F,
while summers are warm with an average high of 90°F and low of 71°F. Spring
and autumn are transitional with temperatures leaning to the warm side.
Georgia enjoys mild temperatures year-round due to its latitude and
proximity to the warm water of the Gulf of Mexico. Keep in mind: the Georgia
Mountains generally remain cooler than the rest of the state. Rainfall
averages 50 inches annually, providing lush foliage.
GEORGIA'S FORMER CAPITALS:
Savannah (1733-1786)
Augusta (1786 - 1795)
Louisville (1796 -1806)
Milledgeville (1807-1868)
Atlanta (1869-present)
NICKNAME: "The Peach State"
STATE SYMBOLS:
Fruit - Peach
Flower - Cherokee Rose
Crop - Peanut
Tree - Live Oak
Bird - Brown Thrasher
Butterfly - Tiger Swallowtail
STATE SONG: "Georgia On My Mind"
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS:
Georgia is the largest state east of the Mississippi River. The greatest
distance from north to south in Georgia is 315 miles. Georgia's capitol
building has a gold dome; the gold was mined from Dahlonega, Georgia, the
site of the first gold rush in North America. The Vidalia onion, known as
the sweetest onion in the world, can be grown in Vidalia and 20 counties in
Georgia. Georgia is among the nation's top producers of peaches, pecans and
peanuts.
Famous Georgians:
Some of many famous Georgians include Jimmy Carter and Martin Luther
King, Jr., Ted Turner, creator of CNN; Andrew Young, first African-American
ambassador to the United Nations; Juliette Gordon Low, founder of the Girl
Scouts in the U.S.; and Margaret Mitchell, author of Gone With The Wind.
Natural Wonders:
Natural wonders in Georgia include Providence Canyon, Okefenokee
Swamp, Warm Springs, Tallulah Gorge, Amicalola Falls, Stone
Mountain and Radium Springs.
For additional state information visit the Georgia Department of Industry
Trade and Tourism
www.georgiaonmymind.org
Southeast Getaway is our premier online publication featuring
popular travel destinations in the Southeast. This guide is a planning
tool for the Southern traveler, tourist, or golfer.
The Web is growing at a tremendous rate each and every day. Southeast Getaway
takes advantage of this growth by focusing on the Web viewer planning
a vacation.
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