Georgia ( The Peach State / The Empire State of the South ) Georgia, founded in 1732, is one of the original 13 states. It was named in honor of England's King George II. Georgia is the largest state east of the Mississippi; the state's large size and thriving industries have given it one of its nicknames, the Empire State of the South. During the Civil War, the fall of Atlanta was a crucial turning point in the defeat of the South. Today, Atlanta, which became Georgia's capital in 1868, is a thriving city with major national corporations, and it is considered the economic and cultural center of the Southeast. The natural beauty and famous seaside resorts of Georgia are a major attraction for tourists. Many beautiful monuments and parks, including reminders of important Civil War battles and heroes, dot the Georgia countryside. Some of the famous celebrities that were born in Georgia include: Laurence Fishburne, Kim Basinger, Barry Van Dyke, Julia Roberts, The Flag of Georgia Ratified the Constitution in 1788, as the fourth State; flag adopted in 1956. The pillars in the seal are for the three branches of government, defended by the State military forces. The Battle Flag of the Confederacy recalls Georgia's Southern heritage.   Largest Cities in the State (2000) Atlanta, 416,474; Augusta-Richmond County, 199,775; Columbus, 186,291; Savannah, 131,510; Athens-Clarke County, 101,489; Macon, 97,255; Roswell, 79,334; Albany, 76,939; Marietta, 58,748; Warner Robins, 48,804   Business and Trade in Georgia Agriculture: Poultry and eggs, peanuts, cattle, hogs, dairy products, vegetables. Industries: Textiles and apparel, transportation equipment, food processing, paper products, chemical products, electric equipment, tourism. State Symbols and Emblems Bird: Brown Thrasher Flower: Cherokee Rose (rosa laevigata) Tree: Live oak (quercus virginiana) Song(s): Georgia on My Mind Motto: Wisdom, Justice, and Moderation Georgia Travel - Vacation Destinations & Recreation National parks and historic locations suitable for family vacations or day trips. • New Savannah Bluff Lock And Dam - AUGUSTA • Harris Neck National Wildlife Refuge - Savannah • Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests - Gainesville • Wolf Island National Wildlife Refuge - Savannah • Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park - Kennesaw

Capital: Atlanta     Local Weather  Statehood: 1788-01-02  Population: 8,186,453 (141.4 mi2)   Geographic Area (mi2)     Total 59,424.77     Water 1,518.63     Land 57,906.14     Rank 21st Largest   State Education:     Pub & Prv Schools     College & University     Libraries   Border States: Alabama, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee   Health Information:     Illicit Drug Use   Housing: In Georgia, there are 3,281,737 housing units, averaging to 56.7 per sq mile.   Related Magazines:     Atlanta Jewish Life     Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles     Atlanta Tribune: The Magazine     Augusta Magazine     Georgia Sportsman     Southern Accents     Atlanta Magazine   Posters and Artwork Reflection of Palm Trees in River, Jekyll Island, Georgia, USA Photographic Print 18" x 24" • Aerial View of Georgia Tech, Atlanta Pre-Matted Print 14" x 11" • Savannah, Georgia, USA Photographic Print 18" x 24" • Atlanta, Georgia Art Print 36" x 24" • Atlanta, Georgia, USA Photographic Print 24" x 8" • Evening in Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia, USA Photographic Print 60" x 20"