Introduction to Macon, Georgia
Macon is located in Bibb County. The landscape consists of rolling hills in the north and flat plains in the southern section. The Ocmulgee River flows through Macon. The nearby Robins Air Force Base is a primary employer for the region. Wesleyan College is recognized as being one of the oldest colleges for women in the entire world. The town showcases numerous noteworthy historic landmarks and hosts the prominent Cherry Blossom Festival.
History
The Macon area was inhabited by the Creek Indians. Fort Benjamin Hawkins was established in 1806 by the request of President Thomas Jefferson. The fort was built to safeguard the new frontier and was utilized as a military distribution base for the War of 1812 and the Creek War of 1813. The new settlers changed the name of Fort Hawkins to Newton. Later, the city was renamed Macon in tribute to the statesman from North Carolina, Nathaniel Macon.
The original city planners laid out the city with spacious streets and parks. The prosperity of the town in the early days can be attributed to being a transportation center located along the Ocmulgee River. Cotton was a primary factor in the economy. In 1843 the arrival of the railroad brought prosperity to the town. During the Civil War, it was the location of a prominent arsenal for the Confederates.
Culture and Festivals
Macon residents have been influential in the music scene of the country. Musicians who were born or called Macon their hometown include the Allman Brothers Band, Otis Redding, Randy Crawford, Lena Horne, Little Richard and numerous other musicians. The Georgia Music Hall of Fame is located in the city. At one time, it had more than 300,000 Yoshino Cherry trees. The residents sometimes call their town the "Cherry blossom capital of the world." The International Cherry Blossom Festival is a major event, featuring music, arts and crafts, parades, numerous markets and dancing. Other noteworthy festivals and events include the Pan-African Festival, Ocmulgee Indian Celebration, the Georgia Sate Fair and the Bragg Jam. Major venues include the Douglass Theater, Macon Centerplex, Macon Coliseum, Central City Park, Cox Capitol Theatre, Grand Opera House and the Macon Little Theater.
Attractions
- Ocmulgee National Monument features several types of historic Indian mounds including spiral, funeral, temple and burial.
- Rose Hill Cemetery.
- Harriet Tuban African-American Museum.
- Waddell Barnes Botanical Gardens.
- Hay House.
- Sidney Lanier Cottage.
- Cannonball House and Civil War Museum.
- Grand Opera House.
- Museum of Arts and Sciences.
- Fort Hawkins was the first settlement in the area.
- City Hall.
- City Auditorium features one of the largest copper domes in the world.
- Macon Terminal Station.
- The Georgia Children's Museum.
- Ocmulgee Heritage Trail features numerous landmarks and is situated near the Ocmulgee River.
- Vineville Avenue showcases numerous historic houses and churches.
