State Abbreviation: GA

Capital: Atlanta

Name Origin: Georgia was named after King George II, who approved the colony’s charter in 1732.

Nickname: Peach State, Empire State of the South

Statehood: January 2, 1788 (4th State)

State Motto: Wisdom, justice, and moderation

Georgia's rich history begins with the exploration of its lands by Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto in 1540. Conflicting claims between Britain and Spain emerged, but eventually, Gen. James Oglethorpe secured a royal charter and established Georgia's first permanent settlement in 1733. The settlement served as a refuge for English debtors. Oglethorpe further defended Georgia in the Battle of Bloody Marsh, successfully repelling Spanish invaders in 1742.

During the Civil War, Georgia played a significant role as a Confederate stronghold, witnessing extensive military action. Union general William T. Sherman's infamous "March to the Sea" led to the burning of Atlanta and the destruction of a wide path to the coast. In 1864, Sherman captured Savannah.

As the largest state in the southeast, Georgia exemplifies the changing face of the South, experiencing ongoing industrial development. Atlanta, the state's largest city, stands as the communication and transportation hub of the Southeast and serves as the primary distribution center for the region's goods.

Georgia holds national prominence in various industries. It leads the nation in the production of paper and board, tufted textile products, and processed chicken. The state's manufacturing sector also encompasses transportation equipment, food products, apparel, and chemicals.

Agriculturally, Georgia thrives with crops such as corn, cotton, tobacco, soybeans, eggs, and peaches. The state surpasses all others in peanut production, and its vast pine forests contribute over half of the world's resins and turpentine, along with 74.4 percent of the U.S. supply. Georgia also excels in the extraction of marble, kaolin, barite, and bauxite.

Georgia's diverse attractions draw tourists from far and wide. The Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Andersonville Prison Park and National Cemetery, Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, Warm Springs' Little White House (where President Franklin D. Roosevelt passed away in 1945), Sea Island, the monumental Confederate Memorial at Stone Mountain, Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, and Cumberland Island National Seashore are among the state's principal points of interest. Notably, the world's largest indoor aquarium, the Georgia Aquarium, opened in 2005, showcasing over 100,000 aquatic animals, including the only whale sharks in captivity outside of Asia.

• Visit Radium Springs, natural hot springs that flow from the ground at 70,000 gallons a minute.
  
• President Jimmy Carter and Martin Luther King, Jr. lived here.
  
• Take a horse-drawn carriage ride in the city of Savannah to see cobbled streets, beautiful parks, and 18th-century architecture.

• Explore the Historic District of Savannah: Take a stroll through the picturesque streets of Savannah, Georgia's oldest city. Admire the well-preserved antebellum architecture, visit historic landmarks like Forsyth Park and the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, and learn about the city's rich history and Southern charm.
  
• Hike in the Appalachian Mountains: Georgia is home to a section of the iconic Appalachian Mountains, offering breathtaking natural beauty and outdoor adventures. Explore trails in places like the Chattahoochee National Forest or visit Amicalola Falls State Park, where you can hike to the highest waterfall in Georgia and enjoy stunning views.
  
• Visit the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta: Located in downtown Atlanta, the Georgia Aquarium is one of the largest aquariums in the world. Immerse yourself in a marine wonderland and encounter a variety of fascinating sea creatures, including beluga whales, whale sharks, penguins, and more. Don't miss the opportunity to dive or snorkel with the whale sharks for an unforgettable experience.
  
• Tour the Antebellum Plantations: Experience the grandeur and history of Georgia's antebellum era by visiting one of the beautifully preserved plantations. Places like the Oak Alley Plantation in Natchez or the Wormsloe Historic Site in Savannah offer guided tours that provide insights into the lives of plantation owners and their workers, as well as the cultural heritage of the region.
  
• Indulge in Southern Cuisine: Georgia is renowned for its delicious Southern cuisine, so be sure to sample some of the local dishes. Treat yourself to classics like fried chicken, shrimp and grits, collard greens, and peach cobbler. Visit Atlanta's Ponce City Market or Savannah's City Market for a wide selection of restaurants serving Southern delicacies, and experience the flavors that define Georgia's culinary traditions.