Georgia Scavenger Hunt
Welcome to the Georgia Scavenger Hunt, part of the History250 Semiquincentennial Series—a nationwide journey through America’s layered past as we approach the 250th anniversary of our founding. In this installment, we venture through the Peach State, tracing its story across centuries of upheaval, invention, resilience, and reinvention.
Georgia was the last of the original thirteen colonies, and in many ways, it has always occupied a space between tradition and transformation. From the ancient rock mounds of Indigenous peoples to the steel-and-glass skyline of modern Atlanta, Georgia’s landscapes hold both scars and splendors. This hunt moves through military battlegrounds and musical legacies, fields that birthed presidents and bridges that soared above changing tides. You'll encounter stone barns and gilded spires, iconic chicken sculptures and whispered Civil Rights prayers.
The stops we’ve chosen span more than 250 years of American experience—rural and urban, solemn and playful, visible and obscure. Whether you’re traveling by road, by book, or by imagination, we invite you to explore these 100 places and uncover the stories that built this state and shaped the nation.
The photos and stories collected here are a fast and fun way to learn the explanations behind the quirks, the traditions and the secrets that make Georgia uniquely Georgia. What building received America’s first transcontinental phone call? Solved. Why did America’s richest man rebuild a rural Georgia college? Mystery solved. What stadium hosted the most lopsided game in college football history? Identified. Only civilian airfield to service flyers from both World Wars? Revealed. How did the creators of Augusta National Golf Club - Bobby Jones and Alister Mackenzie meet? No one knows.
A thousand years beneath your feet, Where clay-built councils used to meet. This lodge, half-hidden in the hill, Holds stories time cannot distill. Its ancient floor still bears the tread, Of elders' words and embers red.
With arches bold and tower high, This hall once touched the coastal sky. Its Romanesque and Queen Anne grace, Still lend the square a stately face. Though fashions passed and trends have flown— Its sturdy frame still stands alone.
Where tree-armies carved trails with care, And cabins rose in mountain air. Built by hands that found new worth, In Georgia’s soil and Franklin’s mirth. The President’s own hills to roam— This park was born of work and home.
A poet’s name, a span so wide, That lifts above the ocean tide. Its towers rise in graceful might, To give the ships their seaward flight. Where cables stretch and stories cross— This bridge stands firm, through fog and gloss.
“What’ll ya have?” rings loud and fast, A bite of fame from bygone past. With chili dogs and frosty drinks, This drive-in's charm still boldly winks. A landmark meal, a soda cheer— Atlanta’s heart is pumping here.
Beneath a dome of gilded gold, Georgia’s laws and tales unfold. Its marbled halls and columns grand, Were raised to shape the future’s stand. A capital for South reborn— Where state and symbol now are sworn.