Interesting Facts about Georgia State You’ll Love!
Georgia is the next state in our unit study series as we journey around the United States in our homeschool. Explore these interesting facts about Georgia state and learn about its vivid history.
Learn more about the rest of the states with the 50 states unit study as we travel around America. Don’t miss out on these facts about the state of Georgia.
From the charming city of Rome, known for its very own miniature version of the tower of Pisa, to the birthplace of the soda fountain concept, Georgia is packed with surprises.
It’s also famous for its mouthwatering fried chicken and being one of the top producers of pecans in the country. There’s truly something for everyone in the Peach State!
Don’t get Georgia mixed up with the country Georgia! America’s Georgia is best known for peaches and its history with Coca-Cola, but this state has been home to several amazing people in history, plus is known for having some “oldest” things in the US (like oldest state park) or the world’s largest sculpture.
Don’t miss this ultimate guide to Georgia activities for kids that brings history, culture, and geography to life through fun and engaging projects!
Home to 159 counties, Georgia is the largest state east of the Mississippi River! It’s also home to the University of Georgia, one of the top colleges in the world.
Five Georgia Facts:
Georgia’s known for a lot of things: it has played a pivotal part in America’s history, the rich variety of birds, and inventing the Cherokee alphabet. Learn more about Georgia with these five facts.
Fact One: Georgia’s nickname is the Peach State.
Ever heard the phrase “Georgia peach?” That’s because Georgia is best known for its peaches! Georgia’s created a reputation for creating the most high-quality peaches.
They’re known for the best texture, quality, and flavor. If you ever find yourself in Georgia, peaches are a must-have! (Georgia also is known for their Vidalia onion growing, too!)
Learn more about peaches with these extended resources:
- Georgia is known for peaches…and tea (and Chick-fil-A)! Make this copycat Chick-fil-A peach tea lemonade.
- James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl is probably the most famous book about peaches.
- A Peck of Peaches by Carol Craine is a fun counting book inspired by Georgia! It’s also been called P is for Peaches.
- Who doesn’t love the smell of peach? Try to make this 10 minute DIY peaches and cream soap.
But, why is Georgia called the Peach State?
Georgia earned its nickname “The Peach State” thanks to its deep-rooted history with this iconic fruit. Peaches were first introduced to Georgia in the 16th century by Franciscan monks, who brought the trees to the coastal islands of St. Simons and Cumberland.
The crop flourished in the state, and by the mid-19th century, horticulturists began selectively breeding peaches for commercial production. A significant milestone came with the introduction of the Elberta peach in the 1870s, a variety that rose to fame for its superior flavor and durability.
By the late 19th century, Georgia peaches became a symbol of the “New South” as the state sought to reinvent its agricultural identity after the Civil War. Rapid advancements like refrigerated boxcars helped growers ship fresh peaches far and wide, cementing the fruit’s role in Georgia’s economy and culture.
Elaborate Peach Blossom Festivals emerged in towns such as Fort Valley, celebrating the peach as a marker of prosperity and progress.
Interestingly, while Georgia no longer claims the top spot for peach production in America, its reputation as the Peach State endures. The fruit’s sweet history is still celebrated as a point of pride and cultural heritage.
Want to dig deeper into the fascinating story of Georgia peaches? Check out this detailed overview from Rough Draft Atlanta.
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Fact Two: Historical baseball player Jackie Robinson was from Georgia.
On April 15, 1947, Jackie Robinson broke racial barriers by becoming the first African-American to join a major league baseball team.
This single incident didn’t stop racism, but Jackie played a major role in the Civil Rights Movement and was one of the first figures to spark change throughout the nation.
Learn more about Jackie’s life and legacy with these ideas:
- Make your own Jackie Robinson with this simple construction paper craft.
- Dad. Jackie and Me by Myron Uhlberg is a picture book about Jackie Robinson from the view of a young boy watching a baseball game with his father.
- Child of the Dream: A Memoir of 1963 by Sharon Robinson is a children’s memoir written by Jackie Robinson’s daughter.
- Baseball was a major part of Jackie’s life. Practice math facts with this math facts baseball game.
- As an edible snack, make these baseball pretzel bites.
Fact Three: Georgia is home to Coca-Cola.
If you’ve been in Atlanta, you know that Pepsi is virtually unheard of! Atlanta is the home base of the Coca-Cola brand, and most stores, restaurants, and vending machines only have Coca-Cola products.
The Coca Cola bottle is a classic for a reason: a lot of thought went into the classic shape that made Coca-Cola famous.
Learn more about Coca-Cola here:
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- Create a flying airpline out of cardboard and Coke bottles!
- Make your own DIY no-Borax slime with this simple Coca Cola slime!
- The recipe ideas are endless with Coca Cola! Grab this Coca Cola recipe book.
- Grab a Coke bottle to make a windchime.
- Go outside and try this Mentos and Diet Cola experiment.
Fact Four: Georgia’s state flower is the Cherokee rose.
The Trail of Tears originated in the state of Georgia. The Trail of Tears forced Native Americans to the southeastern part of the United States. From this sad incident, Georgia has named the Cherokee rose as the state flower in their honor.
Learn more about the Cherokee Rose and the Trail of Tears here:
- Make this Cherokee rose craft.
- In the children’s book Soft Rain, which is the story of a young girl’s experiences on the Trail of Tears.
- For beginning readers, this early reader, The Trail of Tears, might work best.
- Learn more about Native American culture with this simple DIY Native American drum.
Fact Five: The Blue Ridge Mountains are Georgia’s highest peak.
The Blue Ridge Mountains, 500 miles long, is the highest peak of Georgia. The elevation is over 6,500 feet!
From stunted oak and hickory forests, the Blue Ridge Mountains have a rich variety of wildlife and offer some of the best views in Georgia.
Resources to help you expand on this fact:
- M is for mountain! Try this M shaped mountain craft.
- With different layers of paint, try these painted reflections.
- The Blue Ridge Mountains are a segment of the Appalachian Mountains. Enjoy this classic Cinderella story, Smokey Mountain Rose: An Appalachian Cinderella Story.
- If going camping in the mountains isn’t possible, try this camping fire craft.
Fun Facts About Georgia Symbols
Georgia is bursting with fascinating symbols that showcase the state’s unique character and pride. Did you know Georgia is home to the deepest cave in the state of North America? Ellison’s Cave, found in the northwest corner of Georgia, plunges over 1,000 feet and is a spelunker’s paradise.
When it comes to agriculture, Georgia takes its crown as the top producer of peanuts in the country. This humble legume is celebrated across the state and even honored with its very own Peanut Monument in Ashburn!
Georgia has another historic claim to fame with Wesleyan College. Located in Macon, it holds the distinction of being the first college in the world chartered to grant degrees to women. This makes it a symbol of education and empowerment in Georgia’s rich history.
Whether it’s natural wonders or achievements in agriculture and education, Georgia’s symbols tell a story of a state brimming with pride and a legacy that spans North America and beyond!
📦 Want All 50 States in One Place?
If your kids are enjoying this study, why stop there?
The 50 States Unit Study Bundle includes:
- 700+ printable pages
- Every U.S. state with fact files, maps, and activities
- Organized by state
Bonus Fact: Georgia’s Educational Firsts
Georgia is a trailblazer in education, boasting several historic firsts that have left a lasting impact. Wesleyan College in Macon holds the distinguished title of being the first college for women in North America, established in 1836. It remains a beacon of higher education and maintains its strong roots in Christianity, offering a unique blend of tradition and progress.
Georgia also has the honor of being the first state to charter a state university, with the University of Georgia leading the way in 1785. This marked a pivotal moment in American education, setting the standard for higher learning institutions across the nation.
Adding to its impressive list of educational milestones, Georgia is home to Berry College, located near Fort Benning. Spanning over 27,000 acres, Berry College proudly claims the title of the world’s largest college campus. Its sprawling grounds include forests, fields, and historic buildings, making it not just a place of learning but a symbol of natural and architectural beauty.
From its earliest strides to its modern achievements, Georgia continues to lead in shaping education in North America.
Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia:
Curious about Georgia? Here are the answers to some commonly asked questions that uncover unique facts about the state.
From its bustling cities to historic trivia, there’s plenty to learn about the “Empire State of the South.”
More Georgia Resources:
- 14 Pages: Georgia State Unit Study
- Atlanta: 14 Things to do with Kids!
- Books about Georgia for Kids
- Georgia Crafts for Kids
- Savannah: 11 Kid-Friendly Things to Do!
- Atlanta Visitor’s Guide
Interesting Facts about Other States:
Wrapping Up Our Journey Through Georgia
From Gainesville, the proud “Poultry Capital of the World,” to the fascinating trivia of culinary traditions like the fork, Georgia is a state full of surprises. Adding to its rich tapestry is the legacy of Jimmy Carter, a Nobel Peace Prize winner and former president who lived in the Peach State.
Georgia’s blend of history, culture, and innovation makes it a fascinating place to explore. Whether you’re captivated by its historical milestones, iconic foods, or influential figures, there’s always more to discover in the “Empire State of the South.” Don’t stop here—dive deeper into Georgia and uncover what makes it truly unique!
Always fancied a trip to Georgia, love to taste those famous peaches. Great post Kelli, thanks for sharing.