[Georgia facts and school report] [Jan. 2011]

GEORGIA

In February 1733, James Edward Oglethorpe landed at Yamacraw Bluff, later known as Savannah, to establish the thirteenth colony and last British Colony. This British Colony was named in honor of King George II.

The only Indian tribe living within 50 miles of the new colony was the Yamacraw Indians. Other Indian tribes in Georgia were the Cherokee, Creek, Seminole, Weeden and Kolomoki who roamed Georgia for centuries. Although our Indians natives are long gone, picturesque reminders of their presence are in many geographical historic sites throughout Georgia.
INDIAN MOUNDS

o Etowah Indian Mounds o Ocmulgee National Monument o Sautee Nacoochee Indian Mound

o Rood Creek Mounds o Kolomoki Mounds State Park o Rock Eagle Effigy Mound

CAPITAL CITIES

o SAVANNAH (1776-1785) o AUGUSTA (1785-1796) o LOUISVILLE (1796-1806)

o MILLEDGEVILLE (1807-1868) o ATLANTA (1868-Present)

GEORGIA GEOGRAPHY

Georgia is the largest state east of the Mississippi River. It has a variety of landscapes and soil types. No other state offers the contrasts that can be found, from the Appalachian Mountains in the north to the marshes of the Atlantic in the southeast and the mysteries of the Okefenokee Swamp. The Savannah River forms a portion of the eastern border of the state beginning in Augusta, and the Chattahoochee River flows between Alabama and Georgia from West Point to Florida, creating a western border. The Atlantic Ocean shapes our coastal boundary. Bordering states are Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Alabama.

Within the 58,906 square miles of Georgia, about half the streams flow into the Atlantic Ocean. The majority of the remaining streams flow through Alabama and Florida into the Gulf of Mexico.

Georgia's climate is mild with an average winter temperature 40 to 50 degrees and summer temperatures averaging 80 to 90 degrees. The average annual rain fall is about 47 inches.

Georgia is located in the Eastern time zone and is home to the world's busiest airport, Hartsfield-Jackson International. Four major Interstate highways run through the state, I-75, I-85, I-20, I-95. I-16 runs from Macon to Savannah and I-59 is in the far northwest corner of the state between Tennessee and Alabama.

Governor: Nathan Deal Lt. Governor: Casey Cagle Attorney General: Sam Olens Secretary of State: Brian Kemp State School Superintendent: John Barge Government: U.S. Congressional Districts 13, U.S. Senators 2, State Senators 56, State House Representatives 180 Georgia Population (2009): 9,829,211 Land Area (square miles): 57,906 Admission to Statehood: January 2, 1788 Statehood: 4th of the original 13 colonies Number of Counties: 159

Geographic Center: Twiggs County, 18 miles southeast of Macon Highest Point: 4,784 feet, Brasstown Bald Lowest Point: Atlantic coast, sea level State Motto: Wisdom, Justice, and Moderation Origin of State's Name: Named for King George II of England Nickname: Peach State Agriculture: Poultry and eggs, peanuts, cattle, dairy products, and vegetables Industry: Transportation equipment, food processing, paper products, chemical products, electric equipment and tourism

www.ExploreGeorgia.org 800-VISIT GA

Cherokee Rose State Flower

GEORGIA STATE SYMBOLS

Brown Thrasher State Bird

Live Oak State Tree

Bobwhite Quail State Game Bird

Large Mouth Bass State Fish

Honeybee State Inset

Tiger Swallowtail State Butterfly

Gopher Tortoise State Reptile

Right Whale State Marine Mammal

Shark Tooth State Fossil

Quartz State Fossil

Knobbed Whelk State Seashell

Staurolite Crystals State Mineral

Azalea State Wild Flower

Georgia Grown Peaches Vidalia Onion

State Fruit

State Vegetable

Peanut State Crop

Georgia on My Mind State Song "Just an old sweet Song keeps Georgia"

State Flag

Great Seal of Georgia

Additional information on Georgian can be found on our website www.ExploreGeorgia.org. The Secretary State's Office offers a complete overview of Georgia history at www.sos.georgia.gov.
www.ExploreGeorgia.org 800-VISIT GA

Georgia Department of Economic Development

75 Fifth Street

Atlanta, GA 30308
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