When many individuals think of Augusta, Georgia, one thing comes to mind: The Masters! This major golf tournament has been played on the Augusta National Golf Course since 1934. The event is steeped in some wonderful traditions and players and spectators come from all over the world to experience The Masters. The tournament is held every year in the first week of April. Augusta is also well known as the home of "The Godfather of Soul," singer James Brown. Mr. Brown moved to Augusta in 1939 at the age of six, and continued to call the city home throughout his lifetime. Augusta is also the second largest city in Georgia, and was the state's capital from 1785 to 1795. When moving to Augusta you will quickly find a mix of southern charm in a modern and exciting city.
Economy:
Augusta has begun to experience significant growth in the fields of medicine and biotechnology. Several companies that have become household names have locations in Augusta, such as Electrolux, NutraSweet, Solo Cup Company, John Deere and T-Mobile. Between the Medical College of Georgia and University Hospital the health care sector employs more than 25,000 people in Augusta. The Savannah River Site is a nuclear refinery that processes materials to be used in nuclear weapons. Though the facility is located 25 miles away in Aiken, SC, it is one of the biggest employers of Augustan residents. Fort Gordon, the US Army Signal Center located in Augusta is another major employer.
Tourism:
Augusta is a true Southern city whose roots run deep. You may wish to visit the Amanda America Dickson house. Ms. Dickson was the daughter of a white planter and his slave. In 1886 she went all the way to the Supreme Court to win the inheritance she rightly deserved. She became the wealthiest African-American women of her time, and this house built in 1851 was her home. In 1994 --during a period of the city's renovation -- Artists' Row was born. The street is made up of galleries, art studios and shops and restaurants all located in historic buildings. You will definitely want to check out Riverwalk which is located along the Savannah River in downtown Augusta. There are hotels to stay in, yummy restaurants to try and shops to browse.
History:
Founded in 1736 by James Oglethorpe, Augusta was the second city to be settled in Georgia. It got its name from Princess Augusta of Saxe-Gotha. She was married to Prince Frederick of Wales. Transportation played an important part in Augusta's early history. Initially, Native Americans used the land that would become Augusta as a vehicle to cross the Savannah River. In 1739, the first road that connected Augusta to Savannah was built. The first steamboat stopped in Augusta in 1816. In 1845, railroad service between Augusta and Atlanta and also Chattanooga, TN began. During the Civil War -- between 1861 and 1865 -- the railroad took Confederate Soldiers to the hospital. In 1911, a flight school was opened by the original brothers of flight – Orville and Wilbur Wright. The city's own airport opened in 1927. Today, Augusta moving companies are busy shuffling in new residents for employment opportunities and a different quality of life.