State of Georgia
Nicknames: The Peach State, The Empire State of the South
Motto(s): Wisdom, Justice, Moderation
Date of Statehood: January 2, 1788 (4th state)
State Song: “Georgia on My Mind” by Hoagy Carmichael and Stuart Gorrell, famously performed by Ray Charles
Georgia Flag History
The flag of Georgia, adopted on May 8, 2003, is rich in history and symbolism. It features three red and white stripes with the state’s coat of arms on a blue field in the upper left corner. Directly beneath the coat of arms is the state motto, “Wisdom, Justice, Moderation,” encircled by 13 white stars, symbolizing Georgia’s status as one of the original thirteen colonies.
The current design is reminiscent of the “Stars and Bars,” the first national flag of the Confederacy, reflecting Georgia’s historical ties to the Confederacy during the Civil War. However, the inclusion of the state’s coat of arms and the state motto represents a commitment to the principles of wisdom, justice, and moderation.
The flag’s design has been subject to change over the years, with the previous versions incorporating elements of the Confederate battle flag. The adoption of the current flag aimed to present a symbol that respects the state’s history while promoting unity and forward progress. It stands as a testament to Georgia’s rich past and its journey towards a future built on the values enshrined in its motto.
Georgia Quick Facts
Capital City: Atlanta
Abbreviation: GA
Population: Approximately 10.6 million
Region: Southeast
Origin of State Name: Named in honor of King George II of Great Britain
Sports Teams: Atlanta Falcons (NFL), Atlanta Braves (MLB), Atlanta Hawks (NBA), Atlanta United FC (MLS)
Bordering States: Florida, Alabama, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina
Area Codes: Multiple including 229, 404, 470, 478, and others
Highest Point: Brasstown Bald at 4,784 feet (1,458 meters)
Lowest Point: Atlantic Ocean
Geography of Georgia
Area: 59,425 square miles (153,909 square kilometers), 24th largest
Land: 57,513 square miles (148,959 square kilometers), 21st largest
Water: 1,912 square miles (4,951 square kilometers), 10th largest
Coastline: 100 miles (160 kilometers)
Shoreline: 2,344 miles (3,770 kilometers), including tidal shoreline
Largest Cities:
- Atlanta
- Augusta
- Columbus
- Macon
- Savannah
- Athens
- Sandy Springs
- Roswell
- Johns Creek
- Warner Robins
- Albany
- Alpharetta
- Marietta
- Smyrna
- Valdosta
National Parks:
- Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
- Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park
- Cumberland Island National Seashore
- Fort Frederica National Monument
- Fort Pulaski National Monument
- Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park
Georgia State Symbols
Living Insignia
State Bird: Brown Thrasher
State Animal: White-tailed Deer
State Amphibian: American Green Tree Frog
State Butterfly: Eastern Tiger Swallowtail
State Fish: Largemouth Bass
State Flower: Cherokee Rose
State Horse Breed: None
State Insect: Honeybee
State Mammal: White-tailed Deer, Right Whale (marine)
State Reptile: Gopher Tortoise
Inanimate Insignia
State Fruit: Peach
State Gemstone: Quartz
State Soil: Tifton
State Tree: Live Oak
State Quarter: Issued in 1999 featuring a peach, live oak sprigs, and an outline of the state
State Beverage: None
State Colors: None official
State Dance: Square Dance
State Food: Grits
State Fossil: Shark Tooth
State Mineral: Staurolite
State Rock: Granite