Destination Milledgeville
Highlight | Civil War Capital
Today, Athens is the capital of Georgia, but that hasn’t always been the case. From 1804 to 1868, the capital was Milledgeville, now a small town northeast of Macon. Travelers who visit Milledgeville today get a glimpse of life and government during the Civil War area in Georgia.
The Old Governor’s Mansion is one of the primary historic treasures of Milledgeville. The home served as the primary residence of Georgia governors from 1838 to 1868; Union Gen. William Sherman also occupied it for a time during his March to the Sea. The home has been meticulously restored, and groups that tour it learn about the history of the building, the families that lived there and the slaves that worked there.
There are more stories from state government to hear at Georgia’s Old Capitol Museum. Located in the original capitol, this is where legislators met and voted to secede from the Union before the Civil War.
While you’re there: Famed author Flannery O’Connor was born in Savannah but settled in Milledgeville after living in the North for a time. Her family farm, Andalusia, is now a historic site with a preserved farmhouse, barns, a water tower and other outbuildings
Destination Albany
Highlight | Rivers and Springs
Albany, situated on the Flint River in southwest Georgia, enjoys an abundance of natural scenery and a colorful history.
The river was formed by natural springs in the area, and groups can discover those springs in several ways. Radium Springs Gardens, named one of Georgia’s Seven Natural Wonders, pumps 70,000 gallons of water per minute from an underground cave. A park built around the springs provides a place for visitors to sample the 68-degree water and enjoy gardens and stately trees.
There’s more to learn about the springs and the river at Flint RiverQuarium. Set on the banks of the river, the aquarium teaches visitors about the Flint River watershed and its ecosystem. It features more than 100 species of aquatic animals, as well as dive shows, alligator feedings and animal presentations.
While you’re there: Numerous attractions around town tell stories of interesting people and places in Albany history. Those include Ray Charles Plaza, with a life-size sculpture of the beloved musician, as well as the Albany Civil Rights Institute.
