55 Fascinating Facts about the State of Georgia

55 Fascinating Facts about the State of Georgia

Sometimes, a history class is hardly enough to exhaust what a massively endowed U.S. State such as Georgia has to offer. Georgia bears some of the most significant marks of American history, from the Civil War’s bloodiest battles to the Civil Rights Movement in its Atlanta Capital. It is home to revolutionaries such as Martin Luther King, and artistic icons such as Ma Rainey. Did I mention that Coca-Cola traces its origins in a small pharmacy located right here?

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. The list captures just 55 of these, and it only gets more fascinating so read on!

Early history and origin facts

1. Georgia was established in 1732, the last of the 13 original colonies

King George II of England. Image by Uriel Welsh. Wikimedia Commons.

Georgia was colonized by the British in 1732 in the name of King George II, becoming the 13^th British colony in North America. It was also the last of the original settlements in US history. The State was named after King George, who had granted the charter for its colonization in Britain’s name.

2. It was initially governed by a board of trustees

Although Georgia was indeed colonized on behalf of the British Royal Crown, it is James Oglethorpe who founded the State, heading about 100 colonists. It was the only colony out of the 13 that was governed by a Board of Trustees, based in London.

3. It was originally intended to be a penal colony

Gen. James E. Oglethorpe, founder of the colony of Georgia. Wikimedia Commons.

Georgia’s founder, James Oglethorpe, had a plan to send debt prisoners here so that they could learn trades and pay off their debts while making a prosperous living for themselves. At the time, British prisons were overflowing with minor offenders and being a Parliamentarian, Oglethorpe’s position enabled him to table this proposition, get funding, and finally, the approval of King George II to create a debtor’s colony. This plan was however thwarted by the King’s demand that the new colony generates revenue for the Crown.

4. Georgia has 3 recognized Native American tribes

While Cherokee culture is perhaps the most mentioned and evident in Georgian history, the Cherokee tribes were not the only Native American tribes in Georgia. There are three recognized tribes, and these are the Cherokee of Georgia tribal, the Lower Muskogee Creek tribe, and the Georgia Tribe of Eastern Cherokee Reservation. The latter are descendants of the Cherokee that survived the infamous ‘Trail of Tears’, which was the forced removal of Indian tribes by the U.S. soldiers and displacement into Oklahoma territory from 1831 to 1850. The ‘trail of tears’ was the dangerous and deadly route that the tribes had to walk during this migration.

Read more on: Top 10 Facts about the Native Appalachian Mountains People.

Iconic landmarks’ facts

5. Stone Mountain in Georgia is the world’s largest granite-exposed mountain

Carving of the Confederate leaders on Stone Mountain. Image by Dsdugan. Wikimedia Commons.

Barely 16 miles east of Atlanta, Georgia’s capital, lies the impressive mass of granite rock; Stone Mountain. It’s the world’s largest mass of granite and stands at an elevation of 514 meters above sea level. Quite a magnificent sight indeed, so it’s no surprise that Stone Mountain Park, where it stands, is Georgia’s most visited tourist site. That’s not all, the mountain boasts a massive rock relief on its northern side, which is the largest bas-relief artwork worldwide. The latter features three former Confederate States of America leaders; Jefferson Davis, Robert E. Lee, and Stonewall Jackson. The Confederate was a breakaway republic in the Southern U.S. from early 1861 to mid-1865.

6. The Blue Ridge Mountains are the highest in Georgia

The State is painted with mountain ranges and is no doubt, quite hilly. The Blue Ridge Mountains however tower over the landscape at a greater height than the rest. They are also the tallest in the eastern United States. The peaks are quite picturesque and beautiful hiking trails accentuate the ranges.

7. The Amicalola Falls are quite a wonder

A section of the Amicalola Falls by Mikefairbanks. Wikimedia Commons.

Standing just under 730 feet in height, with seven cascades, the Amicalola Falls is the highest waterfall in the State of Georgia, and the third highest east of Mississippi. Its name derives from the Cherokee language, describing its rumbling waters. Any nature lover will be fascinated by the allure of this site, which is located in Chattahoochee National Forest, and barely 8 miles from the Appalachian Trail. It boasts spectacular, lush green scenery, and spending hike trails, making it one of the most popular sites to visit in Georgia.

8. Georgia is home to the most sustainable stadium in the world

Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA. Photo by Warren Lemay. Wikimedia Commons.

Situated in Atlanta, and home to the Atlanta Falcons NFL, and Atlanta United, the Mercedes-Benz Stadium is one of the top most sustainable stadiums in the world. With a centered focus on renewable and efficient energy systems, it was the first stadium in the USA to attain the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum certification. Some of its features include a 680,000-gallon rainwater cistern for water supply in cooling and irrigation, high-efficiency toilets which utilize less water than is common, LED lighting, solar panels, and a stormwater management system. It consumes 29 percent less energy than an average stadium.

9. Okefenokee Swamp is the largest blackwater swamp in North America

Okefenokee Swamp canal by Pseabolt. Wikimedia Commons.

Spanning a massive 630 square miles, this black-colored swamp is quite a sight to behold. Its black water is due to its mineral and organism composition. Besides the complex biodiversity systems sustained by the swamp, it also boasts the largest size in the USA.

10. It houses the world’s busiest airport

Ariel view of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Photo by Craig Butz. Wikimedia Commons.

That’s Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, situated barely 10 miles south of Downtown Atlanta. It spans over 4,700 acres in area and has five parallel runways. Being the primary hub of Delta Air Lines, the world’s largest, it’s no surprise that it handles over a thousand flights a day. It serves over 200 domestic and international destinations, and since 1998, it has been the world’s busiest by passenger traffic until 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. It then regained the title in 2021.

11. Berry College boasts the world’s largest contiguous campus

The courtyard to the Henry Ford Buildings at Berry College. Photo by TheCustomOfLife. Wikimedia Commons.

Picture over 27,000 acres of land, featuring green woody forests full of deer, beautiful fields, a mountain, fountains, pools, and magnificent, Gothic-style buildings. Berry College is that and then some more. It was ranked among the most beautiful college campuses in the USA by Travel+Leisure in 2011. It sits near the city of Rome in northwestern Georgia. In addition to academic buildings, there are designated spaces open to the public for outdoor activities such as horseback riding, cycling, and hiking. Approximately 16,000 acres are managed by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. The campus is the world’s largest, and I dare say, among the most beautiful too!

12. Georgia Aquarium is one of the World’s largest

One of two resident male whale sharks in the Georgia Aquarium by Zac Wolf. Wikimedia Commons.

Located in Atlanta, the Georgia Aquarium is the largest in the United States and the third largest in the world. It displays thousands of animals and hundreds of species in 7 major galleries, which are contained in over 11 million US gallons of water. Some of its exhibits include beluga whales, tiger sharks, bottlenose dolphins, and California sea lions. It is located in Pemberton Place.

Read on: Top 10 Interesting Facts about the Atlanta Aquarium, Georgia.

Practical Information

Address: 225 Baker Street NW, Atlanta Georgia 30313, United States

Open: 9 am to 6 pm Daily

Call: + 1 404 581 4000

WEBSITE

13. It is home to Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Park

The famed Civil Rights Activist, Martin Luther King Jr. was born in Atlanta, Georgia. His groundbreaking and indeed significant contribution to the Civil Rights Movement remains undisputed, The States prides itself in being associated with one of the important figures in United States civil rights history, and one show of this is the massive historic park named after the man. The historical park lies on a 35 acre-land in Atlanta and serves to preserve the history of the movement while honoring the efforts of Martin Luther King Jr

Famous people in history

14. Eli Whitney, invented the cotton gin in Savannah Georgia

Before this invention, cotton growing in the south had proved quite difficult due to limited labor. This led to increased demand for slaves to work in cotton farms. In 1793, Eli Whitney, who was stationed in Savannah, Georgia at the time, invented the cotton gin. The machine sped up the removal of cotton seeds and the cleaning process as well, revolutionizing cotton production.

15. Martin Luther King was born in Atlanta GA

Martin Luther King, 1964 by Nobel Foundation. Wikimedia Commons.

The name is not an unfamiliar one in the Civil Rights Movement. The legendary Martin Luther King was born on 15 January 15, 1929, in Atlanta, Georgia. He is considered one of the most pivotal leaders and crucial figures of the civil rights movement in the United States.

See the Top 10 Famous People from Georgia.

16. The 39^th President of the USA was from Georgia

Jimmy Carter by Department of Defense. Wikimedia Commons.

That’s James Earl Carter Jr. (mostly known as Jimmy Carter), the only U.S. president to have hailed from Georgia. Before his election to the Oval Office, he had served terms as both a senator (1963-1967) and governor (1971-1975) for the State of Georgia. He was born in the Plains town, where he assisted in the management of the family farm before joining politics. He also attended the U.S. Naval Academy in 1946 and joined the Navy. A Democrat, he served as President from 1977 to 1981. He is currently a key figure in the Georgia-based Habitat for Humanity non-governmental organization.

17. The founder of Girl Scouts called Georgia home

Juliette Gordon Low was born on October 31 1860 in Savannah Georgia. She is remembered as the founder of the Girls Scouts of the USA in 1912. Previously, she had joined the Girl Guide movement in England, drawing inspiration from the founder of the Scout Movement, Lord Baden Powell. When she returned to the USA in 1912, she formed the first-ever Girl Scouts in America. Her home was registered as a National Historic Landmark in 1965.

Facts about historical events

18. The first gold rush in America was in Georgia

Most people associate American history in gold mining with the California gold rush of the 1840s. However, about two decades before that, hundreds were already flocking to try their luck in the city after the discovery in Dahlonega, Georgia. The gold rush is associated with the enactment of the Indian Removal Act of 1830 and the resultant Trail of Tears. Native American tribes were forcefully made to migrate from their Southeast United State homelands to the western territory of the Mississippi River. One of the reasons for this was to give way to white settlers.

19. Discovery of gold in Georgia had a hand in the Trail of Tears

The Trail of Tears was a devastating forced displacement of the indigenous tribes of the Cherokee, Muscogee, Chickasaw, Seminole, and Choctaw in the southeastern USA to the west of the Mississippi River. The Cherokee people resisted the order to leave their homes in Georgia, North Carolina, Alabama, and Tennessee. This was after the enactment of the Indian Removal Act of 1830, passed after the discovery of gold near Dahlonega, Georgia in 1828. Those in search of gold needed land to settle in. U.S. troops were deployed to forcibly evict the Indian tribes, and thousands died in the harsh conditions experienced during the treacherous journey. Disease, starvation, and exposure to harsh weather claimed thousands, and the event has been labeled as ethnic cleansing, although it remains a matter of debate.

Have a look at the Top Amazing Facts about the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail.

20. Georgia was the headquarters of the Civil Rights Movement

The Civil Rights March on Washington, D.C. Photo by Rowland Scherman. Wikimedia Commons.

As already stated, one of the keys, spearheading figures central to the Civil Rights Movement in the U.S.A Martin Luther King Jr. was born in Atlanta Georgia. The State, therefore, witnessed most of the action as the civil rights activists often held meetings there. On 10^th January 1957, the Southern Christian Leadership Conference was established in Atlanta, and it would play a critical role in the civil rights movement by rallying protests and organizing marches. Among its founders were Martin Luther King Jr., Ralph Abernathy, Fred Shuttleworth, and Joseph Lowery. It is still active today, continually advocating for equal rights for all in America.

21. It is home to the first college to admit women

It’s a sad fact that for a long time in history, formal education was considered a preserve for men, while women were denied access to higher institutions of learning. In 1836, Wesleyan College in Georgia became the first college to put an end to this narrative by allowing women to pursue degrees. Much has indeed changed, and it’s incredible how far women’s rights in numerous sectors, besides education, have been achieved across most parts of the world.

10 Best Universities and Colleges in Savannah, Georgia.

22. The Battle of Chickamauga was one of the deadliest conflicts in America

Of the many battles fought in the American Civil War, the Battle of Chickamauga was the largest Confederate victory. The Civil War, fought between the North (Union) and the South (Confederacy) took place between April 12, 1861, and May 26, 1865. The latter was formed by States that had seceded. The major cause of the war is attributed to differences over the prohibition of slavery. The Battle of Chickamauga was also the first major battle fought in Georgia, with over 16,000 casualties suffered by the Union. It was fought on September 19 and 20, 1883.

23. Georgia witnessed many Civil War battles

The American Civil War took place from 12th April 1861 to 26^th May 1865 and was majorly a war between the Union (northern States) and the Confederacy (Southern States). Central to the cause was the division as to whether slavery would extend to western territories, as most historians have argued. Situated close to most US states, and with access to the Atlantic Ocean, Georgia was a strategic and crucial territory in the Civil War. The Union and the Confederacy fought some of the most important battles of the war in Georgia, including the Atlanta campaign in 1864.

10 Famous Facts about the American Civil War.

24. Atlanta was once burned to the ground

General William Sherman led U.S. forces into Atlanta on November 15, 1864, razing down almost the entire city. The American Civil War was almost coming to a close, but the Atlanta Campaign would cause some of the most severe damage to the State of Georgia. Over 3,000 buildings, including hospitals, homes, and schools were destroyed in a bid to cut off vital supplies from the Confederate troops. As the smoke went up, and the city of Atlanta lay destitute, General Sherman and his troops proceeded to carry out a scorched-earth campaign, all the way to Savannah Georgia. Well, Atlanta would slowly rebuild, and its symbol is a phoenix, boldly proclaiming that it ‘rose up like a Phoenix’.

25. The original World of Coca-Cola museum is in Atlanta

World of Coca-Cola, Atlanta by Rundvald. Wikimedia Commons.

Being home to the invention of the world-famous drink, it doesn’t surprise us that the World of Coca-Cola Museum sits in Georgia’s Capital. Atlanta is also the Coke World headquarters. The museum is a 20-acre complex right at Pemberton Place, showcasing the history of the Coca-Cola Company. It was opened on May 24, 2007, to the public, and offers interesting exhibits on the bottling process, tasting tours and so much more. For 2 hours, you can experience most of the tour around the place.

Have a look at the Top 10 Amazing Facts about World of Coca-Cola Museum.

Practical Information

Address: 121 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313, United States

Open: Monday-Thursday 10 am to 5 pm, Friday-Sunday 10 am to 7 pm

Call: + 1 404 676 5151

WEBSITE

26. The Savannah Historic District receives millions of visitors every year

Lutheran Church of the Ascension at the Savannah Historic District by Jrozwado. Wikimedia Commons.

Known for its picturesque city squares, lined up with churches, museums, monuments, Civil War-era forts, oak-shaded parks, and cobblestone streets, the Savannah Historic District in Georgia is one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in the world. It was declared a National Historic Landmark District in 1966 and is one of the largest historic preservation districts in the U.S. Besides its breathtaking scenic features, it is also the birthplace of the founder of the U.S.A Girl Scouts; Juliette Gordon Low. Millions visit every year to take in the magnificent views of green spaces and 18th-century architecture in all its glory.

Check out the Best Tours in Savannah, Georgia and the  10 Beautiful Places to Visit in Georgia. 

27. It hosted the 1996 Olympics

The 1996 Olympics marked the 100^th anniversary of the Olympic Games, hence the event was quite a significant one in history. However, on July 27^th, 1996, a bomb exploded in the Centennial Olympic Park as part of a terrorist attack, injuring 111 people and killing two. The games continued despite the attack and the said park is a preserved landmark, recognizing the solidarity and strength portrayed by the nations in the face of such a tragedy.

A little bit of politics

28. Georgia has 159 counties, one of the largest states

Georgia comes in second after Texas for having the highest number of counties. Texas has 254. Georgia is thus considered the largest state east of Mississippi in that regard. Its Southeast region touches the Atlantic Ocean and it is the 8^th largest U.S State in population.

29. Only 1 of its counties is named after a woman

Nancy Hart, a heroine of the Revolution / Drawn by Darley. Wikimedia Commons.

That’s Hart County; named after the American War of Independence (1775-1783) heroine, Nancy Hart. She is a notable hero for her tact, courage, and toughness in fighting and outsmarting the British loyalists during the war. While some of her exploits are based on folklore, she remains a celebrated figure in American history and Georgia as well. Lake Hartwell and Hart State Park are named after her as well.

30. It has had 5 capitals

Midtown Atlanta by Eric Stockley-Pixabay.

You already knew that Atlanta is the capital of Georgia, but this State has had several different capitals before. The very first state capital was Savannah, from 1777 to 1785. Augusta (1786-1789), Louisville (1789-1807), and Milledgeville (1807-1867) then served as the capitals in that order. In 1868, the capital was finally changed to Atlanta, and it has remained so to date unless, of course, that changes again.

31. It was the first State to lower the legal voting age to 18

Previously, the minimum legal voting age was 21 years. In 1943, Georgia passed a law to lower the voting age to 18, becoming the first State in the U.S. to do so. The law only became a federal rule in 1971. The campaign leading to the change in voting age was dubbed ‘old enough to go to war, old enough to vote.’

32. Cherokee rose is Georgia’s State Flower

Image by Sharkolot-Pixabay.

It’s a beautiful white and yellow flower and was named Georgia’s state flower in 1916. This was to commemorate the 1838 devastating ‘Trail of Tears’, which was a forced migration of the Native Americans, Cherokees included, to the western territory of the Mississippi. Thousands died on the treacherous journey. It was quite a brutal trek, and the women and children were affected the most. When the tribal chiefs prayed for a sign of hope, they believed that a rose would soon bloom wherever a tear fell.

33. ‘Georgia on my mind’ is its official State song

Ray Charles (2003) by Victor Diaz Lamich. Wikimedia Commons.

Originally written by Hoagy Carmichael and Stuart Gorrell in 1930, ‘Georgia on my mind’ was designated as Georgia’s official State song in 1979. Soul singer Ray Charles then recorded it for his 1960 album ‘Georgia Hits the Road’, and the song has mostly been associated with him since. It topped the charts on the Billboard magazine Hot 100 that year. Ray was invited to perform it at the State Capitol in 1979 when it was named Georgia’s official song. Rolling Stone named Ray’s version of the tune the 44^th greatest song of all time in 2003.

34. Georgia has earned several nicknames

For a State with so much to boast of, Georgia has easily garnered a couple of nicknames. These include ‘Peach State’, due to its large production of tasty peaches, the ‘Golden State’, for its history with the Gold rush, ‘the Goober State’ from its peanut production, and the ‘Empire of the South’, owing to its economic prowess in the mid-19^th century.

Weird laws in Georgia

35. It is illegal to keep your donkey in a bathtub

Image by Marzena P-Pixabay.

You’re probably wondering, ‘Who would even think of keeping a donkey in a bathtub in the first place?’ Well, this law in Georgia didn’t just come into effect out of the blue. In 1924, a farmer from Arizona is said to have allowed his donkey to sleep in a bathtub. Coincidentally, a dam burst, causing flooding and the donkey floated downstream while still stuck in the bathtub. It took quite some effort to rescue it, and after the occurrence, some states made it illegal to keep donkeys in bathtubs.

36. Living on a boat for more than 30 days is prohibited

This one aimed to curtail the use of houseboats that had become prevalent on the Altamaha River. Concerns such as pollution, and the displeasing sight of floating houses motivated the legislature to pass a law in 1992 prohibiting living on a houseboat.

37. You can’t put your ice cream cone in the back pocket on Sunday

Image by Clark Douglas-Unsplash.

Weird, but there’s a storyline. It is said that horse thieves would put ice cream cones in their back pockets to lure horses. But why is the law applicable on Sundays only? A plausible reason could be that people would tie up horses during church.

38. Adult bookstores are not allowed to sell alcohol

In Athens-Clarke County, the sale of alcohol in adult bookstores is illegal. In Tennessee, there’s such a law too, but bookstore owners have protested it in court severally. Well, guess you can’t mix business with pleasure here.

39. It is illegal to sell two beers for the price of one

Image by Engin Akyurt-Pixabay.

Quite a bummer, huh? This is a law in Athens-Clarke County, as well. So, no Buy one Get One sale, and it’s not clear why. You can’t drink a beer on a bus either.

Read more on 20 Crazy Laws in Georgia.

Fascinating facts about Food in Georgia

40. It is home to the world’s largest drive-in restaurant

Interior of the The Varsity in Atlanta, GA, the largest drive-in fast food restaurant in the world. Photo by WClarke. Wikimedia Commons.

Right there in the heart of downtown Atlanta lies Varsity; the world’s largest drive-in restaurant. With a capacity of 800 people inside and 600 cars in the parking lot, and space covering two blocks, this joint is incredibly huge! It was originally opened in 1928 in Midtown Atlanta. The restaurant serves up to 15,000 people per day.

41. It is the pecan capital of the U.S.A

Pecans by Sara Cervera-Unsplash.

Besides producing the largest percentage of pecan in the United States, Georgia celebrates a National Pecan Festival. Albany Georgia alone has over 600,000 pecan trees, and it’s no wonder that the said festival is hosted here. It features several activities including a pecan-cooking contest and the crowning of the National Pecan Queen.

42. It is the largest peanut producer in the U.S.A

If you’re in the US, the odds that that jar of peanuts sitting on your kitchen shelf is from Georgia are pretty high. Georgia’s climate makes good conditions for peanuts to flourish, and about 45% of all peanuts in the USA are from here. Most of the production is centered in the Coastal plain, and the industry contributes about $ 600 million of its annual revenue.

43. Cordele GA is the world’s watermelon capital

Sliced watermelon by Congerdesign-Pixabay.

Cordele is no big city in Georgia, just a decent town of about 11, 000 people. However, it is famous for its massive watermelon production, which has earned it the title; of Watermelon capital of the world. Its farmers produce over 120 million watermelons annually, which are then shipped and sold all over the U.S.

44. Gainesville is considered the ‘poultry capital of the world’

Situated at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Gainesville Georgia has an incredibly high number of poultry farms, earning it this title. Jesse Jewell is a name familiar to the poultry industry in Georgia and the name of the pioneering businessman who revolutionized poultry farming after World War II. He was the first president of the National Broiler Council, and his contributions to the industry remain central to Gainesville’s position as the poultry capital of the world. The Spring Chicken Festival is held annually in the city.

45. World’s first glass of Coca-Cola was served in a pharmacy in Georgia

Image by Omid Armin-Unsplash.

Coca-cola is without a doubt, a worldwide sensation and one of the most notable brands to date. Georgia is where the invention of this taste of goodness happened. Dr. John S Pemberton, a pharmacist in Atlanta created a syrup, intending it to be a patent medicine. That was around 1886. His bookkeeper, Frank Robinson named it Coca-Cola, and when Dr. Pemberton tried it out on his clients, it was soon popular, selling for five cents as glass. Now, it is sold in over 200 countries all over the world, and to think that it was first drunk at a small pharmacy in Georgia as syrup is quite fascinating.

46. Georgia is known as the ‘peach state’

Image by Ian Baldwin. Unsplash.

Georgia seems to have it all when it comes to fruit production, and its title as the ‘peach state’ is attributed to its largest production of peaches in the USA. Its peaches are also notable for better state and texture as compared to other peaches grown elsewhere in the U.S. In 1995, the peach was named the official State fruit of Georgia.

Music

47. Ma Rainey, ‘Mother of the Blues was born in Georgia

Ma Rainey. Sourced from Wikimedia Commons.

Born in Columbus, Georgia on April 26, 1886, Gertrude ‘Ma Rainey’ was a famed American blues singer and recording artist, known for her powerful vocals and enchanting performance skills. She is considered the ‘Mother of the Blues’, a significant influence on the music industry and blues singers. She worked with various artists including Louis Armstrong and Thomas Dorsey. Ma Rainey is an inductee of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and the subject of the 2020 Academy Award-winning film, ‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom’.

30 Most Famous Women in American History.

48. Atlanta is sometimes known as the Hip-Hop capital

Future (2013) Honest Tour. Photo by The Come Up Show. Wikimedia Commons.

Atlanta’s music scene is quite diverse, but hip-hop takes center stage and in 2009, the city was named ‘hip-hop’s center of gravity’ by the New York Times. It is home to many acclaimed hip-hop and R&B artists, including Future, 21 Savage, Outkast, Soulja Boy, T.I., Usher, and Young Jeezy. Atlanta was already dominating in the 1980s with stars such as Dj Smurf, also known as Mr. Collipark. The rise of artists such as Outkast and Goodie Mob in the 1990s contributed to the development of the South style of hip-hop. Atlanta continues to feature in top music charts years on.

49. Numerous film scenes have been shot in Atlanta

Image by Chris Murray-Unsplash.

It’s hard to name all the films shot in Georgia in just a paragraph here. There are so many! What then makes it such a great spot for filming? Besides the numerous fantastic scenic features that the State has to offer, production is cheaper in Georgia than in most of the other States in the U.S.A.  Some of the iconic movies shot here include Avengers: Endgame (Pinewood Atlanta Studios, SANY America building in Peachtree City and Metropolitan Avenue), and Forrest Gump (Chippewa Square in Savannah).

In The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, the Atlanta History Center’s Swan House was used as the mansion of President Snow, Panem’s leader. In Black Panther, the High Museum of Art in Atlanta is where Killmonger steals artifacts by Wakanda. The Atlanta City Hall is used as the United Nations in the movie. Some of the getaway scenes in Baby Driver were shot in Downtown Atlanta, and the first scene at the bank is filmed at the Candler Building. Well, the list goes on.

50. Georgia is home to America’s largest black-owned production company

Tyler Perry at the 82nd Academy Awards. Photo by Sgt. Michael Connors. Wikimedia Commons.

Tyler Perry Studios, that’s right. Sitting on a massive 330 acres of the former Fort McPherson complex, Atlanta, it is indeed the largest film studio in the U.S. Tyler Perry is the first African-American to own a major production studio. He is a world-renowned film producer, actor, director, screenwriter, author, and playwright. The studio features permanent sets, replicas of a luxury hotel, the White House a trailer park set, a residential neighborhood with 12 homes, and a 16,000 square foot mansion, just to mention a few. Black Panther  is one of the films shot in part at the sound stages of Tyler Perry’s Studios.

Check out the Top 10 Facts about Tyler Perry.

Language

51. Cherokee written alphabet was published in Georgia

The Cherokee tribes were one of the Indian societies living in Southeast America during the 18^th century. In Georgia, they occupied the Appalachian mountains, in the Blue Ridge, and Georgia’s tale is incomplete without due acknowledgment of the contribution by the Cherokees to its culture and history. It is thus no wonder that the Cherokee written was published in Georgia, along with the first Cherokee newspaper. Other efforts made in preserving and honoring its Cherokee history include formalizing Cherokee County, and naming Cherokee rose as a state flower.

Some legends and spooky Georgian facts

52. There’s an oak tree believed to ‘own itself’ in Georgia

In Athens Georgia, there was a tree that, according to legend, had legal ownership of itself and any land within 8 feet of its base. It however got uprooted by a storm in 1942, but its seed was planted in the same spot. Today, the tree standing on that spot is, to put it simply, the ‘son of the tree that owns itself’.

53. Savannah is believed to be the most haunted city in the country

Image by Alex Mihu-Unsplash.

This is according to the American Institute of Parapsychology, and it’s reasonably easy to see why. Most buildings in the state stand on ancient Native American burial sites, and cemeteries of slaves from the State’s slave-owning history. The city’s past is masked with bloody battles such as those of the American civil war, deadly diseases such as the 1820 Yellow Fever pandemic, and deadly fires. The troubled spirits of the victims of these catastrophes are believed to haunt numerous spots in the city.

Have a look at the Top 20 Facts about the City of Savannah, Georgia.

54. The Olde Pink House is believed to be haunted

This is a famous restaurant in Savannah and is mostly known for its association with paranormal stories. Many people believe it is haunted by its original owner, James Habersham Jr, who is rumored to have hung himself in this establishment. Claims of his death are contested but the place remains quite an attraction to lovers of haunted places. So, good southern cooking and the thrill of a haunted corner? You might want to check this one out when you’re in Georgia.

Practical Information

Address: 23 Abercom St, Savannah, GA 31401, United States

Call: + 1 912 232 4286

WEBSITE

Fascinating ecology facts about Georgia

55. Georgia is home to over 350 species of birds

Endangered Red-cockaded woodpecker. Photo by ChattOconeeNF. Wikimedia Commons.

Boasting serene environments for both animal and plant life, pristine forests, and a good climate, Georgia is home to a notable variety of birds. These either reside in the State all year or migrate during winter. Either way, you are guaranteed to encounter beautiful and diverse species of birds in Georgia any time of the year. One of the rarest is the red-cockaded woodpecker. One thing is for sure though, that whether common or rare, each of these birds can be quite the sight to look at.