Welcome to Georgia, known as the “Peach State” because of its yummy peaches and fascinating history. Let’s explore what makes Georgia special, from its past to its amazing places and famous people!
Georgia was the last of the thirteen original colonies in America. It was named after King George II from Great Britain. On January 2, 1788, Georgia became the fourth state to join the United States. That’s a long time ago!
Georgia is a big state! It’s the largest state east of the Mississippi River and is even bigger than England. Georgia has all kinds of landscapes, like mountains, forests, and coastal plains. It’s a beautiful place with lots of nature to explore.
During the Civil War, Georgia was one of the eleven states that left the Union. Many battles happened here. One important place is Stone Mountain, where you can see a huge carving of three Confederate leaders: Stonewall Jackson, Robert E. Lee, and Jefferson Davis. The carving is on a big rock that stands over 800 feet high!
Georgia has some cool places to visit! In Atlanta, there’s the Georgia Aquarium, which is the second largest aquarium in the world. You can see all kinds of sea creatures and learn about them. It’s a fun and educational place to visit!
Georgia has given us some amazing people. Jimmy Carter, who was the 39th president of the United States, is from Georgia. Martin Luther King Jr., a leader in the Civil Rights Movement who worked for equal rights for everyone, was also from Georgia. They both made a big difference in American history.
Did you know Georgia hosted the Olympic Games? In 1996, the Summer Olympics were held in Atlanta. It was a huge event and brought people from all over the world to Georgia!
Georgia, the Peach State, is full of history, culture, and natural beauty. From its role in the Civil War to its famous people and exciting places, Georgia is a state with lots to discover and enjoy!
Peachy Observations: Next time you visit a grocery store or a farmer’s market, look for peaches. Notice their color, shape, and smell. Ask a grown-up to help you find out where they come from. Are they from Georgia? Try tasting one and describe its flavor. Why do you think Georgia is called the “Peach State”? Share your observations with your classmates.
Map It Out: Get a map of the United States and find Georgia. Use colored pencils to draw Georgia’s borders. Now, find and mark some of the places mentioned in the article, like Atlanta and Stone Mountain. Can you find other states that border Georgia? What do you notice about Georgia’s location compared to other states?
Time Travel Adventure: Imagine you are living in Georgia during the Civil War. Write a short story or draw a picture about what life might have been like. What would you see, hear, or feel? Share your story or drawing with your family or friends and discuss how Georgia’s history has shaped its present.