Coastin Carl
🇺🇸 GEORGIA Day ORIGIN & HISTORY
GEORGIA Day is celebrated on the anniversary of when the very first colonists landed on the Georgian coastline on the 12th Day in February under the direction of James Oglethorpe.
The first people arrived in what is now the state of Georgia some 13,000 years ago. Native American Indian tribes that lived here included the Apalachee, Cherokee, and Choctaw.
Georgia became the 13th colony in 1733. Then in 1788, Georgia became the fourth state in the U.S. Georgia succeeded from the Union at the beginning of the Civil War in 1861. It was once again included within the United States as the Union was preserved at the end of the war in 1865.
Georgia was named after King George II, who approved and signed the colony’s charter for James Oglethorpe to start a colony in 1732.
Georgia is rich in history. Atlanta has been the mainstay hub of the Southeast long before the Civil War due in part to the railroad back in 1837. Atlanta played a huge wartime role for industry because of its location on the rail network. The Confederates of Atlanta fell to Union troops on September 1, 1864. The Union’s General William Tecumseh Sherman departed Atlanta on his devastating March to the Sea leaving most of Atlanta burned to the ground. From this event, Margrett Mitchell got her inspiration for Gone With the Wind. Also, the Great Locomotive Chase was based on events that happened near the Battle of Kennesaw during the Civil War.
Georgia serves as an integral city to the civil rights movement. It’s part of the Bible belt and has a large protestant religious influence. Civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr was born and raised in Atlanta. Ebenezer Baptist Church was his boyhood church where his father preached. Adjacent to the church is the Martin Luther King National Historic Site and also his gravesite.
The Olympic Games were held in 1996 at Centennial Olympic Park including one of the largest opening ceremonies clocking in at almost five hours. Atlanta won the prestige to host the 100th modern games over Athens, Greece. The ceremony displayed a celebration of the American South and its history and culture. The Olympic cauldron was torch lit by a surprise appearance of legendary boxer Muhammad Ali.
GEORGIA STATE Motto
“Wisdom, Justice, and Moderation.”
🥜 HOW to Celebrate & Observe GEORGIA Day?
Not sure how to LOVE the day? We’ve got a few interesting ideas to consider that may help get you started.
Here are some activities that you can do on GEORGIA Day!
💙 Fun is a STONE’S throw … away
Visit Stone Mountain Park any time. They have fun activities and events planned all year long and Stone Mountain is rich in Georgia history.
💙 Keep GEORGIA on your mind
In 1979, Ray Charles recorded HIS iconic version of Georgia On My Mind which was made the official song of the State of Georgia. Enjoy listening to the song. Other great Georgia musicians include Ray Charles, Little Richard, Luke Bryan, Ma Rainey, Otis Redding, André 3000 (Outkast), Gladys Knight, and Alan Jackson.
💙 RAISE Social Awareness
Use social media posts with the hashtags #GeorgiaDay, #NationalGeorgiaDay, #StateofGeorgia, #Georgia, #GA, #GovernmentHolidays, #FebruaryHolidays, #Holiday, #FindADayToLOVE, #iHEARTdays to support the importance of celebrating, promoting, and sharing with the world why you ❤️ GEORGIA Day.
LEARN all about the State of GEORGIA
BARRY THE BALD EAGLE & GEORGIE THE BROWN THRASHER
A TWO-MINUTE TOUR OF GEORGIA
TEN Important Facts you never knew about GEORGIA Day
- Georgia was the 4th state to ratify the U.S. Constitution on January 2, 1788.
- Named after King George II of England.
- The city of Atlanta is known as the “capital of the South” and is the birthplace of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.
- While the Peach State is a “significant producer of peaches” as well as peanuts, pecans, and Vidalia onions. Georgia no longer can hold claim to that moniker. California has become the largest producer of peaches.
- The Georgia Aquarium is one of the largest aquariums in the world.
- The University of Georgia, founded in 1785, is one of the oldest public universities in the USA.
- Savannah is one of the country’s most historic cities with a well-preserved historic district filled with colonial and antebellum architecture.
- Home to several famous musicians, including Little Richard, Ray Charles, and James Brown.
- Located in southern Georgia, the Okefenokee Swamp is the largest blackwater swamp in North America.
- Atlanta was the first city in the U.S. to host the Summer Olympics in 1996 since Los Angeles did in 1984.
Future DATES for GEORGIA Day
| Year | Date | Day of the Week |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | February 12 | Sunday |
| 2024 | February 12 | Monday |
| 2025 | February 12 | Wednesday |
| 2026 | February 12 | Thursday |
| 2027 | February 12 | Friday |
🍑 State of Georgia FAQ
WHEN is GEORGIA Day?
- GEORGIA Day is an annual celebration held on February 12th each year.
What are some popular tourist ATTRACTIONS in Georgia?
- Some of the more popular tourist attractions in Georgia include the city of Savannah, the Georgia Aquarium, Stone Mountain Park, the World of Coca-Cola, Six Flags over Georgia, the Carter Presidential Library, and the Martin Luther King Jr National Historic Site.
What’s the CAPITAL of Georgia?
- Atlanta is the capital and the largest city in GA with a population of well over 11 million people.
What’s the WEATHER like in Georgia?
- Generally humid in a subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. There are exceptions of course :).
What are Georgia’s STATE SYMBOLS?
- Some of the more commonly seen state symbols of the State of Georgia include:
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- The State Bird of Georgia is the Brown Thrasher.
- The State Song of Georgia is Georgia On My Mind.
- The State Flower of Georgia is the Cherokee Rose.
- The State Fruit of Georgia is the Peach.
- The State Insect of Georgia is the magnificent Honeybee.
- The State Vegetable of Georgia is the Vidalia Onion.
- The State Tree of Georgia is the Live Oak.
What’s NOT to L💜VE about GEORGIA Day
Georgia has beautiful landscapes, magnificent mountain views, great food, loads of events, and lots of history including the backdrop to the classic movie, Gone with the Wind. There’s so much to do in the state. It’s a good place for sports enthusiasts and foodies with its cultural and delicious food festivals. Whatever you do in the great State of Georgia you’ll definitely have a great time.
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Where We Can Practice SOUTHERN WARMTH & Kindness
The people are down home and are typically friendly welcoming us to the South and to their homes!
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Sumptuous SOUTHERN FOOD & Worldwide Cuisine
Southern comfort food’s unique history coupled with distinctive flavors and local ingredients evokes feelings of nostalgia and happiness.
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Great Hiking and Biking TRAILS
Come explore all of the beautiful waterfalls including the ones in Fannin county near Blue Ridge GA. The Silver Comet Trail is an impressive 61.5 mile (99 km) paved walk & bike trail that travels through three counties along an abandoned CSX railroad line from 1897. Georgia is also the start of the Appalachian Trail. If you decide on hiking it, then leave some time to explore Georgia before or after you hike the trail.
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MUSICAL Events
There are also iconic music greats that have hailed from the peach state. Music Midtown and SweetWater 420 Fest are just a few.
