Georgia is a state where some pretty huge and fascinating things happened throughout history. But while everyone always seems to focus on the bigger moments in some of the biggest cities, the smaller towns seem left behind. So, we decided to create a list for those tiny towns in Georgia where some really important things happened. Take a peek:
- The Cordele Tornadoes of 1936
Flickr NOAA Photo Library A few of the deadliest tornadoes in United States history ripped through both Gainesville, Georgia and Cordele, Georgia in April 1936. The tornado that destroyed parts of Cordele was labeled as an F4 but notably didn’t receive as much media attention as the tornado in Gainesville.
- Madison, Georgia—The “Town Sherman Wouldn’t Burn”
Flickr JR P Did you ever wonder why there were still so many antebellum mansions scattered throughout the small town of Madison? When General William Sherman made his March to the Sea, he kept the small town south of Athens in tact. Apparently, his friendship with a pro-Union senator, Joshua Hill, who resided there, was worth more than burning the town. Because Madison was spared, so were the antebellum houses.
- A Zombie Apocalypse in Senoia
Flickr John LightComposer Many people hadn’t heard of Senoia, Georgia until AMC’s hit television show “The Walking Dead” began filming there. Now the tiny town of Senoia is officially on the map, but be careful, zombies still may be lurking around every corner.
- Where President Jimmy Carter Was Born
Flickr Steve Markos If the small town of Plains, Georgia wasn’t on the map, who knows if there even would have been a President Jimmy Carter? However, visiting the small South Georgia town allows you to explore the house Carter was born in, as well as Carter Farm, which was his campaign headquarters.
- The Largest Oktoberfest Celebration Every Year
Flickr Dizzy Girl Helen, Georgia, a town of less than 1,000 people hosts THE biggest Oktoberfest celebration inthe state each and every year. Georgia residents and visitors from all over the globe mingle in this small alpine village, drinking lager and eating sausage in the name of fun.
- Tropical Storm Alberto Hits Hard in 1994
Flickr ~JENO~ The small town of Montezuma was hit hard from a devastating Tropical Storm in 1994. The flood levee was topped by nearby Flint River, which resulted with the entire downtown area being submerged in up to 18 feet of water. Cleanup took months to complete.
- The Tavern Where George Washington Slept
Flickr J. Stephen Conn Not many towns can boast Georgia Washington was once a visitor, except perhaps Watkinsville, Georgia. This tiny town has less than 3,000 people, but remains a big part of U.S. history. It is believed that President George Washington visited the Eagle Tavern in town, and even stayed two nights while he was visiting constituents.
- The Bugaboo Scrub Fire of 2007
Flickr Gila National Forest On April 16, 2007 a downed power line ignited parched land in the tiny town of Lake City, Georgia. This wildfire spread fast, changed direction quickly, and even combined with another fire to eventually create the largest and most devastating wildfire in Georgia history.
- The Birthplace of Oliver Hardy
Flickr Jimmy Emerson DVM Just west of Augusta is the tiny town of Harlem, Georgia. It’s here that fans of old-time cinema unite every year to pay homage to comedian Oliver Hardy, who was born in this very town. Harlem is also home to the Laurel and Hardy Museum, as well, which is open to the public throughout the year.
These are only some of the eventful things that have happened within some of the tiny towns of Georgia. What else would you add to this list?
Flickr NOAA Photo Library
A few of the deadliest tornadoes in United States history ripped through both Gainesville, Georgia and Cordele, Georgia in April 1936. The tornado that destroyed parts of Cordele was labeled as an F4 but notably didn’t receive as much media attention as the tornado in Gainesville.
Flickr JR P
Did you ever wonder why there were still so many antebellum mansions scattered throughout the small town of Madison? When General William Sherman made his March to the Sea, he kept the small town south of Athens in tact. Apparently, his friendship with a pro-Union senator, Joshua Hill, who resided there, was worth more than burning the town. Because Madison was spared, so were the antebellum houses.
Flickr John LightComposer
Many people hadn’t heard of Senoia, Georgia until AMC’s hit television show “The Walking Dead” began filming there. Now the tiny town of Senoia is officially on the map, but be careful, zombies still may be lurking around every corner.
Flickr Steve Markos
If the small town of Plains, Georgia wasn’t on the map, who knows if there even would have been a President Jimmy Carter? However, visiting the small South Georgia town allows you to explore the house Carter was born in, as well as Carter Farm, which was his campaign headquarters.
Flickr Dizzy Girl
Helen, Georgia, a town of less than 1,000 people hosts THE biggest Oktoberfest celebration inthe state each and every year. Georgia residents and visitors from all over the globe mingle in this small alpine village, drinking lager and eating sausage in the name of fun.
Flickr ~JENO~
The small town of Montezuma was hit hard from a devastating Tropical Storm in 1994. The flood levee was topped by nearby Flint River, which resulted with the entire downtown area being submerged in up to 18 feet of water. Cleanup took months to complete.
Flickr J. Stephen Conn
Not many towns can boast Georgia Washington was once a visitor, except perhaps Watkinsville, Georgia. This tiny town has less than 3,000 people, but remains a big part of U.S. history. It is believed that President George Washington visited the Eagle Tavern in town, and even stayed two nights while he was visiting constituents.
Flickr Gila National Forest
On April 16, 2007 a downed power line ignited parched land in the tiny town of Lake City, Georgia. This wildfire spread fast, changed direction quickly, and even combined with another fire to eventually create the largest and most devastating wildfire in Georgia history.
Flickr Jimmy Emerson DVM
Just west of Augusta is the tiny town of Harlem, Georgia. It’s here that fans of old-time cinema unite every year to pay homage to comedian Oliver Hardy, who was born in this very town. Harlem is also home to the Laurel and Hardy Museum, as well, which is open to the public throughout the year.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
