7 Towns in Georgia With Rich History
The state of Georgia calls to mind some the most iconic notions of the American southeast, like the book and film "Gone With the Wind," to the image of the native tree species called live oak. The state's past as a colony, contested space among the British and Spanish militaries, Civil War site, and birthplace of Coca-Cola should put the state in many traveler's plans for the future. The towns below may be mostly small in size, but their histories, and most of all their contributions to a vibrant local present, will offer something of interest to every kind of traveler.
Milledgeville
Milledgeville, with a population of about 17,000, holds a history unlike any other town in the state. This place was the Georgian capital for more than half a century (1804-1868), including during the American Civil War (1861-1865). The superior rail network in Atlanta, part of Georgia's postwar growth in the "New South," prompted the state to make the latter city its capital, which it remains today. Milledgeville sits in the state's center, north of the city of Macon, and on its east is bounded by the Oconee River.
Today's Milledgeville celebrates its past as the state's political center. The Old State Capitol still stands downtown and features on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). Also included on the register are the Old Governor's Mansion and a number of stately homes, most of them in the Classical Revival style.
Darien
Darien, a much small town with 1,600 souls, sits along Georgia's Atlantic sea coast. The town traces its roots to development beyond Fort King George, a colonial British settlement completed in 1721. Largely destroyed by fire during the Civil War, the town has adapted, for a time as a major lumber port, and in more recent times as a seaside holiday destination. The town prizes its coastal history, and well-placed markers highlight the town's points of maritime interest for passing pedestrians. Local history is concentrated in two old neighborhoods: the Vernon Square - Columbus Square Historic District, and the West Darien Historic District. Both are NRHP-listed.
Built at the confluence of Darien Creek and Cathead Creek, Darien's natural features likewise make it a beautiful place to visit. Other natural draws include the Altamaha Wildlife Management Area, east of town.
Dawsonville
The list of charms in Dawsonville, population 4,500, runs long. Sitting northeast of Atlanta and founded in 1857, its history remains visible in places like the Historic Dawson County Courthouse. In more modern terms, the town is proud of its connections to NASCAR, the professional car racing circuit. That tradition — born out of the region's past bottlegging, or trading alcohol while doing so was illegal under the laws of Prohibition — has spawned fast cars and good times. Each year, the town hosts the Mountain Moonshine Festival, which celebrates racing and local spirit.
For some time outdoors, head to Lake Lanier, a large, man-made reservoir and local favorite south of Dawsonville. Amicaolola Falls, north of town, rise 729 feet and fall to spectacular effect, in the middle of Amicaolola Falls State Park.
Washington
Like the US capital city, Georgia's Washington, with 3,700 people, draws many more visitors from out of town. It is sometimes referred to as Washington-Wilkes, in combination with another town nearby, to distinguish from other towns also named Washington. As one of the state's oldest settlements — and, like Milledgeville, a former state capital — Washington offers a great deal of historical interest. An important battle during the Revolutionary War took place nearby in 1779. Washington was also where Jefferson Davis, leader of the southern Confederacy, held his last cabinet meeting and led a vote to dissolve the Confederacy, part of the Civil War's end in 1865. Alexander Stephens, the Confederate vice-president, grew up in this town.
Natural interests nearby include the Savannah River, which runs northeast of town. Gamesmen will enjoy the Pope Plantation Deer and Quail Hunting grounds south of town.
Thomasville
Thomasville, a place of 18,500 inhabitants, is famous locally as the “City of Roses.” The town, in the state's southwest near Florida, hosts a Rose Festival every April and showcases its 85 publicly-maintained rose beds. A famous tree adds to Thomasville's reputation of natural bounty, and on the corner of Monroe and Crawford Streets stands The Big Oak, a stately tree that has stood since roughly 1680. The town mixes its historical markers with notices from before and after the Civil War, such as Pebble Hill Plantation, southeast of downtown, as well as at the Jack Hadley Black History Museum downtown.
For some fresh air, head to Cherokee Lake Park (which hosts the Thomasville Rose Garden), Andrews Lake, or the central Paradise Park, which has a playground for children.
Dahlonega
Where did the first-ever US gold rush begin? Right here in Dahlonega, current population 7,500, where in 1829 prospectors, dreamers, and shady characters piled in with the hope of easy money. The discovery of gold also saw local Native Americans dispossessed of their land, in what became known later as the Trail of Tears. This dispossession is similar to what occured later in Oklahoma, which is now under new awareness due to films like "Killers of the Flower Moon" from 2023.
The historic Lumpkin County Courthouse, erected in 1836, runs a museum that details Dahlonega's historic gold rush. These days, the region is known for its wines, and Dahlonega bills itself as part of the North Georgia Wine County, with a variety of vineyards dotting the area around town. Nature enthusiasts will also alike Chattahoochee National Forest, as well as the Chestatee Wildlife Preserve and Zoo to Dahlonega's southeast.
Brunswick
Brunswick, with a population of 15,200, lies on the state's southeastern Atlantic coast, a short drive south from Darien. Sited on the Turtle River, first settled in 1738, the town has long played an important US port in the southeast region, and many of its 18th-century buildings remain in good condition today. Fort Frederica National Monument, which an adjoining museum, exhibits elements of a British colonial fort, part of the English push against Spanish claims to the same land. On a more refreshing note, beer fans should go see the Horton House, which is what remains from Georgia’s first brewery.
For greener points of interest, Brunswick's largest park is Howard Coffin Park, while Blythe Island County Park, just west of town, sits on the island of the same name. Most historic of all, the town's collection of live oak trees — a symbol of the American South — will find interesting a downtown specimen called Lover's Oak. In 2005, the tree was dated as roughly 900 years old, according to official state government sources.
Small Towns Big On History: Georgia Has It all
As these towns show, Georgia's smaller towns hardly run short on charm, natural beauty, and historic interest. Milledgeville and Washington are former state capitals that most modern tourists have never heard about. Thomasville balances a Civil War legacy with the beauty of roses everywhere. Dawsonville celebrates motors and moonshine, while the towns of Darien and Brunswick offer the sea access that have shaped their industries and local lives for so long. The state of Georgia, given its dramatic history, may make for an intriguing next visit for the curious traveler.
