August 18, 2015 by Amanda Northern
Do you know your state's history? Georgia was the scene for some of the biggest and deadliest battles in the Civil War, it was one of the first explored lands by European settlers and is still holds homes and buildings that are hundreds of years old.
While a major piece of history can be found in every Georgia city and town, these 7 towns are special since they are a part of Georgia's Antebellum Trail. Many historical structures can still be seen along this 100 mile stretch of towns.
Take a journey back into time with these 7 historic Georgia towns:
1. Macon, GA
Nicknamed the "Heart of the City," Macon is located in central Georgia. It was once the site of the Ocmulgee Old Fields, where the Creek Indians resided in the 18th century. It is now a place of museums, universities and historical attractions.
The Historic Hay House in Macon, GA; Johnston-Felton-Hay House is the original name of the Hay House. This national historical landmark is nicknamed the "Palace of the South".
2. Milledgeville, GA
Milledgeville was once the capital of Georgia from 1804 to 1868. Milledgeville flourished as the Antebellum Capital of the south pre-Civil War.
3. Watkinsville, GA
Even though Watkinsville is the largest city in Oconee County, it doesn't even have 3,000 residents. This city is pretty old, as the first records of this city was found in Clarke County records just 58 years after James Edward Oglethorpe founded Georgia.
4. Madison, GA
Madison is one pretty little town, and it has been said that Union General Sherman spared this city because it was just too pretty! While it was really spared more for political reasons than anything else, Madison has been known to be a town of culture and sophistication since the early 19th century.
5. Juliette, GA
Juliette is an unincorporated community in Monroe County. It was also the setting of the famous movie, "Fried Green Tomatoes."
Jarrell Plantation State Historic Site in Juliette, GA is a national historical place, a museum and a park.
6. Athens, GA
Athens' humble beginnings started with the nation's first charted university, The University of Georgia. The first buildings on campus were made out of logs and ever since its existence, a thriving town has surrounded the university. Athens has many other historical structures such as the Georgia theatre.
7. Eatonton, GA
Eatonton was first inhabited by the Archaic and Woodland Indians. The town was named by the diplomat and adventurer William Eaton.
Have you ever taken your own small journey through Georgia's historic towns? If not, now would be the perfect time to take the family on a road trip and learn more about your state's history!