Atlanta

The capital, representative of the “New South”, was founded in 1837. It was turned into ashes by a fire during the American Civil War (in 1864) - the fire was started by General E. Sherman's troops lining up with the North States.

Quickly rebuilt, it saw its population doubling up in less than five years and Atlanta became the capital of Georgia in 1868. Today it is an economic center, headquarters of Coca-Cola Company (which appeared here in 1886) and a center of communications equipped with the world's largest airport.

Atlanta is the birthplace of Martin Luther King, whose life and work are commemorated in the national historical district bearing its name. It is here that we can visit his native house, as well as the Martin Luther King Center.

It was on April 5, 1968 that the Black Leader, born in 1929, was assassinated. He was the champion of racial integration, winner of Nobel Prize for Peace in 1964.

In Atlanta you can visit the Georgia State Capitol surmounted by his golden arrow (built between 1884 and 1889), the High Museum of Art, the Tarton House, typical Southern house built in 1780, and Atlanta Historical Society.

But Atlanta is also the city where Margaret Mitchell once lived - author of splendid and unforgettable Gone With The Wind. We highly recommend you to read it if you haven't, or re-read it, and do not miss to visit her ancient house in 990 Peachtree Street in Atlanta. The restored house is now a museum honoring the life and the work of Miss Mitchell.

Savannah

On the northern coast, it is one of the most charming cities of the old South and an excellent example of the Past of America. This elegant coastal city, founded in 1733, has the nation's vastest historical district, including some thousand residences of 18th and 19th centuries, the sinuous streets with rounded pavements, and the public gardens bordered by trees.

The Owens-Thomas House is a beautiful example of Regency architecture.

Take time to visit the city by foot, while following the marked roads, dive into this city which breathes the softness of living.

In the south of Savannah lies the archipelago of the Golden Isles, guarded by a coral barrier. Many of these islands are still wild and unexploited. The three most developed islands (and the only accessible ones by car) are Jekyll, Sea Island and St.Simons. They offer tourist stations, leisures (golf in particular) and splendid panoramas.

On one of the largest and farthest islands of the archipelago, the marine natural reserve of Cumberland Island National Seashore is located

Okefenokee Swamp

Along the border between Georgia and the neighboring State of Florida, the natural reserve of Okefenokee Swamp is located - a natural panorama in the middle of swamps inhabited by reptiles, mammals and birds. One of the country's best preserved wamps, classified as a natural reserve since 1936. You will be able to take part in guided excursions on motor boat to meet the swamp's animals, or you can simply rent a canoe.

Folkston Funnel Train Viewing Platform

In Folkston, not far from the Okefenokee Swamp, one of most beautiful train viewing platforms is located. A real dreamland for train watchers, passioned by trains, here they can observe closely yet in full safety, about sixty different daily convoys traversing this double tracks known as “Folkston Funnel”, an important railway axis in direction of Jacksonville in Florida. 

Stone Mountain

Stone Mountain Park is located about 28 km in the east of Atlanta (16 miles) on U.S. 78.

In Stone Mountain Plantation you will see restored houses dating back to a time before the American Civil War burst.

You will be able to contemplate the life in the plantations. A steam train of the old days will lead you on a distance of 8 km in the mountain. The park gathers all the tree essences present in Georgia.

In the heart of the park, the Stone Mountain is a block of granite shaping a dome, the largest one in open space, on which giant portraits of the Confederatio Heros are carved: Robert Lee, Stonewall Jackson and Jefferson Davis.

In the mid-west of the State lie the Warm Springs with Little White House, built for President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the place where he died.

Another very appreciated touristic point in Georgia is the giant amusement park named the Six Flags over Georgia. Conceived for lovers of strong sensations, the park has the world's most impressive Russian mountain.

Photos : Carl Vinson Institute of Government, The Univesity of Georgia -

Ed Jackson - Georgia Deparment of Economic Development

Okefenokee Chamber of Commerce