Gecko's Georgia

Georgia's National Parks

Andersonville National Historic Site:

496 Cemetery Rd., Andersonville, GA 31711
912-924-0343
www.nps.gov/ande/

Just northeast of Plains, Georgia, on the Highway 49 is the Andersonville National Historic Site, and the site of Fort Sumter. For the Civil War historian, Andersonville's Fort Sumter is synonymous with inhumane treatment and conditions-starvation, disease, overcrowding and death for its Union prisoners. When you visit the Andersonville historic site, you can hear the a/v program, Echoes of Captivity that tells the story of Fort Sumter and its inhabitants. Also available is an audio recording that you can rent and listen to, as you take a driving tour of the park, interpretive programs, the National Prisoner of War Museum, and picnic areas.

Andersonville Prison

Chattahoochee River National Military Park

The Chattahoochee River National Military Park area makes up 38 miles with 4 of Georgia's counties. The Chattahoochee is 430 miles long flowing southwest from the north Georgia Mountains. The park is home to several 19th century historic sites as well as Native American Archeological sites. While there, you can fish in a well stocked trout stream with 23 species of game fish, (be sure to check out the regulations/requirements with the Department of Natural Resources-- http://www.gadnr.org/) picnic, trek all you desire of the park's 50 miles of hiking trails or, when in available, rent canoes or rafting equipment.

Chickamauga National Military Park

Chickamauga National Military Park, located just 9 miles south of Chattanooga on US 27, is the site of one the South's victorious battles during the Civil War. The park, established in the end of the Civil War, is the first of its kind in America and is a tribute to the more than 6oo Confederate and Union soldiers. While visiting, you can watch a 30 minute film at the visitor's center, take a tour of the park that will help you understand the major engagements of the War, explore horse trails, historical tablets, and visit the Craven House. Also, in the Visitor's Center, the gun enthusiast will want to see the Fuller Gun's Collection.

Fort Frederica National Monument

As you visit St. Simons Island, be sure to see Ft. Frederica National Monument and Fort Frederica. Built by General James Oglethorpe in 1736, Frederica was said to be the"most elaborate fortification in North America." At Frederica, you can watch a film on the sites history, see artifacts and exhibits, or spend a couple of hours walking around the grounds. While there, be sure you make time for a visit to Christ Episcopal Church, whose congregation began when John Wesley preached under the oak trees. The church's cemetery gives rest to many of St. Simon's leader of the early 19th century.

Ft. Pulaski National Monument

While visiting Savannah, you don't want to miss taking trip to Fort Pulaski, located just 16 miles east on US 80. At Fort Pulaski, you can see the remains of 19th century masonry at its best. The fort's construction was overseen by Lt. Robert E. Lee, who was a recent graduate of West Point. Although believed by many to be indestructible, the Union troops were eventually able to reduce it with 30 hours of artillery shells shot from over a mile away.
When you visit Fort Pulaski, you can observe living history demonstrations and a museum documenting the fort's history and Civil War involvement. Other outdoor activities include hiking, fishing, biking, and bird watching.

Jimmy Carter National Historic Site

Do you love to learn about our nation's leaders? Then Plains, Georgia is a must. The Jimmy Carter National Historic Site is located in the former Plains County High School. The museum's displays will teach you all about the life of President Jimmy Carter. Also on in Plains, you can visit the Carter Campaign Headquarter which showcases campaign posters, and memorabilia as well as plaques and displays detailing his accomplishments while in office. For a look at his childhood in Plains, be sure to visit the Jimmy Carter Boyhood Farm. There you can see the restored and reconstructed barn, blacksmith shop, buggy shop and other buildings as they looked before 1937.

Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park

Just west of Marietta on Highway 120, you can visit Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield. Kennesaw Mountain, one of the largest and easily accessed parks, is also one of the sites of the Atlanta Campaign. It was here that the Confederate Army held off the Union Troops for more than 2 weeks. Kennesaw offers numerous trails to explore, earthen breastworks to be examined, and many picnic locations for your family to enjoy. While in Kennesaw, you don't want to miss visiting the Big Mountain Shanty Museum which home to the General, a Civil War steam engine.

Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site

The Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Site will enlighten you about the life of this great civil rights leader. You can go on guided tours focusing on details and his accomplishments in Atlanta. While at the King Center, you will find the beginning of the tour for The Martin Luther King, Jr. Historic District. On the tour, you will visit his birthplace, the Ebenezer Baptist Church, as well as Dr. King's tomb. The King Center also has books, audio and video cassettes, film, TV, CDs and web pages to educate you about Dr. King.

Ocmulgee National Monument

1207 Emery Highway, Macon GA 31217
912-752-8257
www.nps.gov/ocmu/

One of the oldest and most important sites in Macon is the Ocmulgee National Monument. The Monument was built, basketful by basketful, by the people of the Late Mississippian who lived there from A.D. 900-1100. The Mississippian' built temple mound and structures, some of which, like the Great Temple, rise up 45 feet.
The Ocmulgee offers opportunities for hiking, and anthropological study. During the month of March there is a special Lantern Light Tour and in September you can enjoy the Ocmulgee Indian Celebration.

Ocmulgee Indian Mound

Learn more about Georgia's State Parks