Augusta, Ga.: A town with a rich past and a bright future

Today’s picture of Augusta, Ga. includes an array of restaurants, bustling people, cultural activities and memories of times past. The roots of this quintessential Southern town reach much deeper than this scene. Augustans were taking advantage of the good livin’ way before James Brown was singing “I feel good.”

Established in 1736 by General James Edward Oglethorpe, Augusta offers a rich past that tells the story of Southern history and progression. Founded as a trading outpost during the British colonial period, it is the second oldest and second largest city in Georgia.

Fortunately, Augusta’s strong spirit of preservation has left it with a host of historic museums, neighborhoods and attractions to tell its Southern tale.

The Woodrow Wilson Boyhood Home is where the 28th president spent his youth. There you can observe how his childhood experiences shaped his presidency. The Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History showcases the legacy of a woman who overcame slavery and became an influential educator to African Americans. The Augusta Museum of History takes visitors on a 2,000-year journey through Augusta’s story and presents a collection of Masters Champions. And, “Please, Please, Please” don’t forget the James Brown Exhibit where rare memorabilia and artifacts tell his life story.

You can also take a step back in time and stroll through The Summerville Neighborhood, which was laid out by George Walton in the 18th century as a summer retreat for wealthy residents and a winter retreat for wealthy Northerners. The rich and powerful of Augusta ventured up to what was then a small village on a hill where they caught the breeze from the Savannah River. They built summer homes and hotels on top of the hill—The Partridge Inn and Bon Air Hotel were two such havens. Consequently, the name “Summerville” emerged. Summerville, now known as the "crown jewel" of Augusta's neighborhoods, will host a tour Oct. 23-25 to showcase the most meticulously restored houses.

Visitors to the neighborhood should stop by the landmark Partridge Inn, which will celebrate a century of service in 2010. Over the decades, the Inn has served as the setting for Augusta’s high society events. If walls could talk, they would share stories from President Harding’s dinner party, how the lobby served as the town putting greens on rainy days and stories of golf greats who roam the halls today.

Augusta has remained a thriving city due to its positioning along the waterfront. Georgia’s only designated National Heritage Area; the Augusta Canal – once the site of the Confederate States of America Powder Works - combines history and recreation. Visitors learn the significance of the Canal and how the canal played a major role in bringing the Industrial Revolution to the South by visiting the interpretive center and enjoying a guided tour aboard a replica Petersburg canal boat. The Riverwalk, which runs along the Savannah River, features a collection of shops, restaurants, taverns and hotels.

Although most known for the Masters, Augusta also has a lot to offer off of the greens. Many significant people have walked the historic streets of Augusta, Ga. and left their mark on this town.