Southwest Georgia Treasures ~ Americus & Sumter County
by Susan Egelseer
| (Americus, Georgia)
We invite you to discover this incredible area of
Georgia known as Americus and Sumter County. There are a number of
historically significant places within this region to enlighten,
educate and entertain you.
Located in the City of Andersonville you will find
the Andersonville National Historic Site where the infamous civil
war prison known as Camp Sumter held more than 45,000 Union
soldiers, of which 13,000 perished. Twice daily, at 11:00am and
2:00pm, guided tours of the prison site are offered free of charge. |
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Take the time to explore the National Prisoner of War
Museum dedicated to POWs from all wars involving American soldiers.
Andersonville National Cemetery continues to be a permanent place of
honor for those who have died in military service for our country. Also
in Andersonville, you will find the Andersonville Civil War Village
which hosts 2 festivals each year featuring reenactments, craftsmen,
music, food and fun. Memorial Day weekend (the last weekend in May) is
the Andersonville Antiques Fair. The first weekend in October is the
Andersonville Historic Fair. Open all year, you can visit the Drummer
Boy Museum featuring authentic Civil War uniforms, firearms, swords,
flags and documents.
The Jimmy Carter National Historic Site in Plains is a
wonderful interpretation of the influences, which helped to develop the
character and political policies of the 39th President of the United
States. You can observe the rural southern culture of Plains, Georgia,
that revolves around farming, church and school. The National Park
Service oversees the Historic Site, which is comprised of the Plains
Depot, now a museum to the 1976 campaign, Carter's boyhood home in
nearby Archery, and the Plains High School Museum and Welcome Center.
In September, folks come from all around the globe for the annual Plains
Peanut Festival. On most Sundays, you can attend Jimmy Carter Sunday
School at Maranatha Baptist Church. Visit their website for the latest
schedule for Jimmy Carter's Bible Classes. Stay for worship services
and you may have a photo taken with President and Mrs. Carter
afterwards.
Were you aware that the birthplace of Habitat for
Humanity was in Americus, Georgia at a biracial Christian community
known as Koinonia? Koinonia Partners was founded in the 1940s and
continues its mission of peace. Plan to visit the farm, enjoy the
communal noon meal, explore the museum and learn about the community
that inspired Habitat. Then, visit Habitat for Humanity International
Headquarters along with the Global Village and Discovery Center,
featuring an interactive exhibit of the work of Habitat around the
world.
Nostalgia surrounds you in Americus and Sumter
County. Relax and ride the SAM Shortline Excursion Train with its
restored vintage railroad cars from the 1940s. You can enjoy a full day
excursion traveling from round-trip Cordele to Plains, or you can take a
half-day trip between Americus to Plains.
As you drive through the historic district, the number
of beautifully restored antebellum and Victorian houses will amaze you.
Stroll through the Oak Grove Cemetery, which has received an award of
Excellence in Rehabilitation from the Georgia Historic Trust in April
2004, containing monuments dating back to the Civil War. Visit our
award-winning historic downtown district for shopping and dining.
Lodging options range from historic bed and breakfast properties to
chain motels. We truly have something for everyone. Hope to see you
soon.
For more information:
Americus Garden Inn Bed & Breakfast
504 Rees Park
Americus, Georgia 31709
229-931-0122 | 888-758-4749 |
Website
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