10 Things Every Southerner Should Celebrate About Georgia
As we watched the procession of festive people in today’s Georgia Day Parade from our offices on Bull Street, it was clear that everyone was proud to be from Georgia.
Taking pride in where you come from is a huge part of being a Southerner. Southerners are stereotyped as being rough around the edges, having no teeth, a thing for marrying our cousins, and shooting anything that moves. On the other hand, we are seen as refined, genteel old-school charmers. In any case, we Southerners are unique and enjoy our differences. In celebration of Georgia Day, here are a few fun facts about our state; including where we’ve been, where we’re going, and why it’s so great to be a true Southerner.
1. Georgia is the country’s number one producer of peanuts, pecans, and peaches. Needless to say, you’ll eat well!
2. Georgia is referred to as the Empire State of the South. Specifically, the Southeastern part of the state (along with a bit of South Carolina’s coast) is called the Coastal Empire.
3. The live oak is the official state tree. And if you’re in Savannah, you can hardly walk a block without seeing one.
4. The world’s largest Infantry training center is Fort Benning.
5. Coca-Cola was invented in 1886 in Atlanta. And we all know there is nothing quite as satisfying as popping open a can of Coke on a warm summers day!
6. This year, Georgia is celebrating its 227th birthday! And, unlike most of us, she only gets more beautiful with age.
7. The state’s motto is “Wisdom, justice, and moderation.” Moderation is with the exception of sweet tea, which true Southerners cannot resist.
8. Savannah has been declared the most haunted city in America by the American Institute of Parapsychology. So, be on the lookout for spooks if you’re ever in the haunted city!
9. Georgia was the first state to drop the voting age from 21 to 18. You’re welcome, young adults.
10. In the state of Georgia, it is illegal to tie a giraffe to a telephone pole! But hopefully this law doesn’t have to be enforced too often.
