Understand
Due to its location inland on the Savannah River, Augusta was a city of major strategic importance by the end of the Civil War. It was spared most of the destruction of many other southern cities, so there are many old buildings and landmarks. There are some areas of town that the tourist might be advised to avoid, but they should be obvious upon inspection. There is a significant presence of military personnel who visit the city on personal business from nearby Fort Gordon. Augusta is also home of the Master's golf turnament.
Get in
By Car
Augusta is located on IH-20, between Atlanta and Columbia, South Carolina. IH-520 circles the city. Private car is usually the best way to get around town, so it's often easiest to drive in.
By Plane
Major carriers service Augusta Regional Airport , but it is not a hub. It will usually be cheaper to fly to Columbia or Atlanta and drive in.
Get around
Unless you're staying only in historic down town and the river walk, rent a car. Public transportation is available, but not often easy to navigate, and might take you through "bad" parts of town. Down town and the river walk can be easily toured on foot.
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Augusta is a city in the state of Georgia in the United States of America. As of 2000, the population was 195,182. In 1996, the governments of the City of Augusta and Richmond County combined to form a single governing body known as Augusta-Richmond County. The consolidated city-county is today simply known as "Augusta, Georgia" and not by the consolidated name. The area that comprises the city limits of Augusta (identified during the 2000 census as "the Augusta-Richmond County balance") includes almost all of Richmond County, except for the towns of Hephzibah and Blythe, which maintain governments separate from that of Augusta.
The city was originally named in honor of Augusta, Princess of Wales, daughter-in-law of King George II of Great Britain and mother of King George III of Great Britain, and was the second state capital of Georgia from 1785 until 1795 (alternating for a period with Savannah, the first). Augusta is located on the Georgia/South Carolina border, about 150 miles east of Atlanta. It is the second largest city and second largest metropolitan area in the state.
Profile
Augusta is the birthplace of the Southern Baptist denomination, and the location of Springfield Baptist Church, the oldest autonomous African-American Baptist church in the nation. Morehouse College was founded in the basement of the church. African American history is honored at the Lucy Craft Laney museum. Other religious dominations erected churches in downtown Augusta, which are now historical landmarks such as Saint Paul's Church and Sacred Heart Cultural Center. In 1914, The Butt Memorial Bridge was placed in memory of Archibald Butt and was the first memorial in the world to the RMS Titanic, and is the only such memorial in Georgia.
The region’s three largest employers include the Savannah River Site (a Department of Energy nuclear facility), the U.S. Army Signal Center, Fort Gordon, and the Medical College of Georgia.
Augusta's official nickname is The Garden City. It is also known as Masters City, since it plays host to the Masters golf tournament. In Hip Hop circles, the city is referred to as "The AUG," being spelled out. The city recently adopted the motto, "We Feel Good", in recognition of native son and soul music legend James Brown. The city also dedicated a statue to James Brown, which is located downtown at the Augusta Commons. President Woodrow Wilson also called Augusta home from 1860-1870 when his father was a minister at First Presbyterian Church. President Woodrow Wilson's boyhood home is open for tours. Another notable Augustan is George Walton, the youngest signer of the Declaration of Independence. His home is also open for tour like President Wilson's.
Augusta also has a well established art community. Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art, Morris Museum of Art, Artist's Row, and the Art Council are just a few in the art community. The Augusta Symphony, Augusta Players, and the Augusta Ballet also perform for audiences. The Imperial Theatre is a historic venue where James Brown used to practice.
The Savannah River is a crucial part of Augusta's founding and history. Visitors can walk along the Savannah River on the Augusta Riverwalk in downtown. The Augusta Marina rents boats for a fun day on the river. Now, tourists can ride along the Augusta Canal, which was built in 1845 as a power source, in a Petersburg boat.
Geography
Topography
Augusta is located at (33.470, -81.975).
According to the United States Census Bureau, the Augusta-Richmond County balance has a total area of 793.8 km² (306.5 mi²). 782.5 km² (302.1 mi²) of it is land and 11.3 km² (4.3 mi²) of it (1.42%) is water.
Augusta is located about halfway up the Savannah River on the fall line, providing a number of small falls on the Savannah River. The city itself marks the end of a navigable waterway for the river. The Clarks Hill Dam is also built on the fall line near Augusta, forming Lake Strom Thurmond, also known as Clarks Hill Lake. Further downstream, near the border of Columbia County, is the Stevens Creek Dam, which separates the Savannah River from the Augusta Canal.
Climate
According to Köppen classification, Augusta has a humid subtropical climate. The city experiences mild winters and a humid summer. The average high temperature for the summer months is 90.6 °F, the average low temperature is 67.8 °F. The average high temperature for the winter months is 58.9 °F, the average low temperature is 34.4 °F.
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