Search results
People also ask
What are some interesting facts about Georgia?
What is Georgia known for?
Is Georgia a state?
Why is Georgia a good state?
- Georgia is the youngest of the 13 states that formed the United States originally.
- Georgia has more soil types than any other state.
- Blairsville is the place to go for people who love sorghum. Thanks to its soil conditions and unique climate, it is the sole region in Georgia that grows sorghum, particularly for making syrup.
- Georgia was the headquarters for the civil rights movement and home to Martin Luther King, Jr.
- Georgia Fun Facts
- Interesting Facts About Georgia
- Weird Facts About Georgia
- Cool Facts About Georgia
- Historical Facts About Georgia
- Funny Facts About Georgia
- Creepy Facts About Georgia
- Quick Facts About Georgia
- In Summary
Georgia is the largest state east of the Mississippi river
To start out this list of fun facts about the state of Georgia, did you know it's the largest state in the eastern United States? It covers 59,425 sq mi total land area. However, if you count land and sea areas, that's not the case. If you count everything within state territory, Michigan is the largest at 96716 sq mi.
The Fort King George State Historic Site is the oldest British fort in Georgia
As one of the original colonies, Georgia has plenty of British forts and constructions that date back to its colonization. However, many of those forts have been destroyed over the years. Enough of Fort King George remained, however, to allow for restoration. Built in 1721, it's the oldest British fort still standing in Georgia.
Georgia first entered the union in 1788
Though part of the British colonization in North America, Georgia didn't automatically join the United States during the Revolutionary War. In fact, before the drafting of the Constitution, a few years later, the Union didn't officially exist. Georgia joined the US union after Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey, making it the 4th state to join. State representatives ratified the constitution in 1788.
Amicalola Falls is the tallest waterfall in Georgia
Georgia is known for its diverse landscape. Perhaps the best example of this is Amicalola Falls. This waterfall gets its name from the Cherokee language and roughly describes the waterfalls' tumbling waters. The waterfall stands just under 730 feet in height, making it the tallest waterfall in the state. It's also the 3rd tallest east of the Mississippi.
The Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park covers 35 acres
You've already read that Martin Luther King Junior was born in Atlanta and that the city takes pride in being his hometown. Perhaps the best example is the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park. This historical park covers 35 acres of the Atlanta area. In doing so, it can encompass multiple sites important to the civil rights activist.
Georgia was the civil rights movement headquarters
If you've ever studied contemporary American History, you'll want to know this vital information about Georgia. Due to Martin Luther King's ties to the state, Georgia became a driving force for the civil rights movement. While the movement was widespread throughout the country, particularly in the south, Georgia saw much of the action. Leaders of the movement assembled in Atlantato help fight for equal rights.
Georgia is the USA's largest peanut producer
If you've ever eaten something with peanuts, there's a good chance they came from Georgia. Thanks to Georgia's climate, it's a prime spot for peanuts to grow, which has made the state the biggest peanut producer in the country. 45% of all peanuts soldand used in the USA come from Georgia. The industry is so big it accounts for around $600 million of the state's annual revenue.
The first gold rush happened in Georgia
When most people think about the USA's history with gold mining, they think about the 1840s-1850s California gold rush. Yet, the country's first major gold rush happened decades earlier. In the 1820s, gold was discovered in Dahlonega, Georgia. From there, word got out, and hopeful prospectors flocked to the state to try to find their fortune.
Atlanta wasn't always called Atlanta
Though Atlanta was founded in 1837, it wasn't always called that. Atlanta didn't become the city's official name until 1845. Initially, the city was named after the then governor's daughter Martha, thus, the city was called Marthasville. The city was also nicknamed Terminus because the city was an important railway hub at the time.
Georgia is divided into 159 counties
To make governing efficient, every US state is divided into counties. While the average number of counties is 62, Georgia beats that number. Georgia has the 2nd most number of counties, coming in at 159 total. The only state to beat it is Texas, with 254 total counties.
The Blue Ridge Mountains are the state's highest mountain range
Georgia is no stranger to mountain ranges. Unlike its neighbor to the south, Florida, the state is quite hilly and mountainous. The Blue Ridge Mountains set themselves apart from the other mountains in the state. These peaks make up the highest mountain range in the state. Not only that, but they're the tallest mountains in the entire eastern US.
The Okefenokee Swamp is the largest blackwater swamp in the USA
With its black coloring due to the organisms and minerals in the soil and water, the Okefenokee Swamp can be intimidating to look at. When you consider its size, that intimidation might turn to awe. The swamp covers 630 square milesand is the largest blackwater swamp in the USA. Due to its climate, environment, and size, it's a complex ecosystem sustaining countless forms of life.
Georgia was the last of the original 13 colonies
Unlike many southern states, Georgia has been deeply connected to US history from its beginning. In 1732, the British, colonized the territoryin the name of King George II. Georgia was the 13th British colony in North America, making it the last of the original settlements in US history.
Oakland Cemetery is the oldest cemetery in Atlanta
Oakland Cemetery has become something of a city landmark. As the oldest cemetery in Atlanta, it's the resting place for some of the city's most prominent figures. The cemetery also covers 48 acres, an impressive feat so close to a major city. The original six acres can also be found easily and is where the oldest gravesites are located.
The Georgia Gold Belt has some of the most abundant gold deposits
Georgia's gold rush was quickly eclipsed by the 1849 rush to California. However, some of the most abundant gold depositsin the country were found in the state by early gold prospectors. Georgia's Gold Belt earned its name from the quantity of gold that prospectors easily found in the area. Even today, nearly 200 years after the original rush, you can still find gold in rivers and streams in this part of the state.
"Sleep tight, don't let the bed bugs bite" started in Georgia
You may not know this one even if you know tons of fun Georgia facts. Everyone has heard the phrase "sleep tight, don't let the bed bugs bite." You might not know that this famous goodnight phrase started in Georgia. Ropes were once used to keep bedframes together, and due to the less-than-ideal mattress conditions and materials of ordinary people, bed bugs were a common occurrence. Thus, in the late 1800s, the phrase started in Georgia and quickly caught on.
Most of Georgia's lakes are artificial
Georgia has plenty of natural lakes and other bodies of water. That fact hasn't stopped the state from adding more. The northern part of the state has fewer natural lake areas compared to the southern territory. While some of the smaller lakes are natural, most of the large lakes in the state, and most of the lakes in north Georgia, are artificial.
Georgia was initially a penal colony
Georgia may have been one of the original 13 colonies, but its intended use was a bit different. While the other colonies were intended to create a British presence in the country and expand the Crown's empire, Georgia was meant as a penal colony. Debtors were sent to Georgia to work off their debt and learn skills. It functioned essentially as an early type of work-release program.
The Olde Pink House might be haunted
The Olde Pink House is a favorite and treasured restaurant in Savannah, but not for the reasons you might think. Many people who visit the establishment believe it to be haunted. Many believe the building's original owner James Habersham Jr, haunts the halls. The restaurant is even part of local ghost tours and has become a landmark for tourists.
Moon River Brewing Company is a haunted bar in Savannah
Georgia history facts take a haunted turn at the Moon River Brewing Company. The bar and brewery are considered to be one of many haunted locations in Savannah. The brewery is located in one of the oldest buildings in the city; thus, it has a long history. It's been featured on multiple paranormal shows, and one thing is for sure, many visitors claim they've seen some unexplained phenomena!
The Sorrel Weed House has been featured on TV
The Sorrel Weed House is a Savannah landmark and museum. It's been preserved to represent its original construction and decor and has undergone minimal restorations through the years. That being said, many people know about this location not because of the education about local history it offers. The building has been featured on ghost-hunting shows on multiple television channelsfrom HGTV to The Travel Channel.
Georgia's state flower is the Cherokee rose
You may remember that the Cherokee rose was mentioned earlier in this list. This white and yellow plant is the state flower. It was named a symbol for Georgia in 1916. It was chosen to remember the 1838 beginning of the "Trail of Tears", which saw many Native Americans leaving their homelands after signing a treaty with the US.
Georgia is named The Empire State of the South
Most states have a moniker, which often shows up in tourist information, on signs, or even on bumper stickers. Georgia is no different. Georgia's nickname is the Empire State of the South. Georgia is named this due to the rapid economic and territorial expansion the state has seen since it was first founded.
Georgia is also known as the Peach State
A list of facts about Georgia would be incomplete if it mentioned one of the state's nicknames but not the other. Georgia is also called the Peach State. Georgia is known for its peaches. It is one of the largest producers of this fruitin the country, but that's not all. Georgia peaches are known for having a better taste and texture than peaches grown elsewhere in the US.
How many of these Georgiafacts did you know? I bet there were at least a few surprises! There's a lot to learn about the state; the 50 facts in this article barely scratched the surface. There's so much more to uncover about Georgia. Hopefully, this list inspired you to do a little research to learn more about The Empire State of the South. You'll ...
Apr 14, 2024 · Table of Contents. 1. The Vidalia onion is Georgia’s official state vegetable. 2. The state of Georgia is the top producer of peanuts. 3. Georgia is home to the oldest state-chartered university in the United States. 4. Georgia hosts the Masters Tournament, one of golf’s most prestigious events.
Georgia's southeast touches the Atlantic Ocean. While you might know that Georgia borders North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Alabama, and Florida... See all Facts.
Feb 20, 2023 · 45 Fun Facts About Georgia State history, culture & more, including early history, famous icons, landmarks, music, and other Georgia trivia.
May 7, 2024 · Georgia state is famous for its rocky attractions, Southern hospitality, and as the birthplace of Coca-Cola and Martin Luther King, Jr. Find out what else the “Peach State” is famous for with these fascinating Georgia state facts! Also read our fun facts about Atlanta, Georgia’s largest city.
Mar 9, 2023 · The State of Georgia will wow you with its green, lush landscapes, rich farms full of peanuts, onions, peaches, watermelons and so much more, picturesque neighborhoods in the Savannah Historic District, and the typical southern charm! We’ve compiled politics, landmarks, iconic figures, music, history, weird laws, and a little more.
