10 Top Historical Sites And Landmarks To Visit In Georgia

By Author: Rodney Cook Peace Park
Total Articles: 686
Comment this article

A trip to Georgia is like taking a walk through time. This southern state has witnessed the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, a gold rush, and numerous other epic events. You could learn about Georgia's role in American history by reading history books. Alternatively, why not go and see some of the most important Georgia state historic sites for yourself?
It is far more meaningful to visit the locations where battles were fought and legendary figures walked than to simply imagine them from book chapters. That is why Georgia is a fantastic destination for history buffs, families with children, and anyone who wants to learn about the places they visit. So, when you visit Georgia, make sure to include these historical sites on your itinerary!

Old Fort Jackson, Savannah
Savannah is one of the most historic cities in the American South, making it an excellent place to begin your historical tour of Georgia. Old Fort Jackson is a National Historic Landmark and the state's oldest brick fortification still standing. During the War of 1812, the fort was built along the Savannah River to protect the city. During the ...
... Civil War, it also served as the local defense headquarters. Joining a guided tour here with a guide dressed in traditional period-wear is a fun way to hear the stories of the soldiers who fought here, then exploring one of Savannah's other top historic sites and museums.

Dahlonega Gold Museum State Historic Site, Dahlonega
Many people think of California when they think of America's gold rush, but Georgia had its own gold rush. In fact, the nation's gold rush began in Georgia, displacing Native American tribes who lived in the area. To learn more about this story, go to the Dahlonega Gold Museum State Historic Site, which is housed in the former Lumpkin County Courthouse.

Fort McAllister State Park, Richmond Hill
Visit Fort McAllister State Park in Richmond Hill, which has some of the best-preserved Civil War earthworks fortifications. These were Confederate fortifications, and the area is hauntingly beautiful with live oak trees. The site is known for its salt marsh surroundings with Spanish moss hanging from the trees and is located on the Ogeechee River south of Savannah. There are daily programs on topics such as soldier life, wildlife habitats, weaponry, and crafts. However, this is also a beautiful place to camp, fish, boat, and have a picnic. Boat ramps and fishing docks are available, and the campground is shaded and close to Redbird Creek. There are 4.3 miles of hiking trails here, as well as kayak, canoe, and SUP rentals.

Jefferson Davis Memorial Historic Site, Fitzgerald
Jefferson Davis was the Confederacy's president and one of the most well-known figures in the American Civil War. Visitors to Fitzgerald can see the monument and museum where Davis was captured by the Union army in 1865. Jefferson Davis was imprisoned in Virginia for two years after being arrested here before being released. This 13-acre historical site includes a museum, a short trail, picnic tables, and a gift shop. The Flint River Aquarium in Albany, the Blue and Gray Museum, the Crime and Punishment Museum, and General Coffee State Park are all nearby attractions.

Etowah Indian Mounds State Historic Site, Cartersville
Native Americans played an important role in Georgia's history, and the Etowah Indian Mounds State Historic Site is one of the most significant Native American sites. This location is now in Cartersville, but it was home to thousands of Native Americans between the years of 1,000 A.D. and 1,550 A.D. On this 54-acre site, there are six earthen mounts, as well as a plaza, borrow pits, defensive ditch, and village area. It's worth seeing because it's the best-preserved Mississippian cultural site in the southeastern United States, with revealing artifacts that show how this civilization lived day to day. You can tour the museum to see these exhibits and learn about how the ancient people decorated themselves with tattoos and jewelry when you visit this site.

Pickett's Mill Battlefield Historic Site, Dallas
Pickett's Mill Battlefield Historic Site in Dallas is another Civil War site worth visiting. This battlefield was the site of an 1864 battle, which the Confederacy won under General Sherman. This is a well-preserved Civil War battlefield with a museum, earthworks, and hiking trails.
Roosevelt's Little White House State Historic Site, Warm Springs
Because of the healing properties of the waters here, Franklin Delano Roosevelt fell in love with Warm Springs, Georgia. Visitors to the Little White House Historic Site can learn more about the previous president and what the town stood for in the 1930s. In search of relief and a cure for his polio, Roosevelt built this house while governor of New York before becoming president. He swam in the 88-degree spring waters, which did not cure his disease but did provide him with comfort and improved his health. The Unfinished Portrait, the Walk of Flags and Stone, the Memorial Fountain, the guest and servant quarters, and scavenger hunts to learn more about history are among the top things to see and do here. Make a weekend of it by visiting the nearby city of Columbus, Callaway Gardens, and F.D. Roosevelt State Park.

Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation Historic Site, Brunswick
Plantations have played an important role in the American South, and despite their contentious history, it's still fascinating to learn about life on a plantation. The Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation Historic Site in Brunswick is one of the plantations to visit in Georgia. This was once a rice plantation near the Altamaha River, surrounded by magnificent live oak trees. You can take a tour of this antebellum mansion and view the onsite museum's antiques and fine silver. Other notable plantations are the Jarrell Plantation Historic Site in Juliette and the Wormsloe Historic Site in Savannah.

Fort Morris State Historic Site, Midway
British armies fought in the American Revolutionary War and the War of 1812. Visit Fort Morris State Historic Site to learn about Sunbury, a colonial port, and to enjoy nature's beauty on the walking trail and picnic area. Actors have frequently dressed up in period costumes to host children's programs. The museum is in the Georgia town of Midway and is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. There are guided tours available, as well as a gift shop.

New Echota Historic Site, Calhoun
The New Echota Historic Site in Calhoun is another significant Native American historical site in the state. In the 1820s and 1830s, this town served as the Cherokee tribe's capital, until the tribe was forcibly removed from their land in 1838. This was part of the Trail of Tears movement, which drove tribes west to make way for new settlers. Today, you can see the Supreme Courthouse, Vann's Tavern, Council House, and a print shop where a newspaper was produced that included the Sequoyah written language. Many significant events occurred in these buildings, and you can see both original and reconstructed versions of them when you visit today. The visitors center sells Native American crafts and music, as well as a short film and interpretive exhibits.

Visit Rodney Cook Sr. Peace Park in Historic Vine City Atlanta. Know more details here - www.rodneycooksrpark.org.