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Finding a Few More Georgia Icons Around the State
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The state of Georgia has a long and storied history that makes it a perfect destination for summer travel. Among the many historically significant sites in Georgia, a few highlights are Forsyth Park, Tybee Lighthouse, Driftwood Beach, and the Margaret Mitchell House.
Forsyth Park was constructed in 1841 and is a very early example of the creation of public green spaces in response to urban growth to serve as an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The park was conceived by William Brown Hodgson, a scientist and diplomat, who set aside 10 acres of woodland on the southern edge of the city. Today the park spans 30 acres and is a popular destination for visitors and locals alike.
Learn about Forsyth Park’s namesake here.
Tybee Lighthouse is a light station that dates back to 1736. Standing at 145 feet tall, it is the tallest and oldest lighthouse in Georgia. The area around the lighthouse features three Light Keeper’s Cottages, an 1812 Summer Kitchen that holds archeological artifacts, an 1899 Military Battery where the Tybee Island Museum features exhibits on the Euchee tribe, the history of Fort Screven, Tybee's Golden Era and more, and a cottage that displays 1900s architecture on the island.
If you are a photographer or just an appreciator of good views, Driftwood Beach is a must see. Originally a maritime forest on Jekyll Island, decades of erosion have exposed the sandy beach, creating an otherworldly scene. The beach is a popular location for picnics, stargazing, and weddings due to the picturesque views it offers.
As the name suggests, the Margaret Mitchell House is the former residence of author and journalist Margaret Mitchell, known for writing the classic novel Gone With the Wind which was adapted into the film by the same name. Peggy Marsh, as she was known by her friends, lived in an apartment on the bottom floor of the house, which she dubbed “The Dump”. It was here that she wrote her first and only book which earned her a Pulitzer Prize. Today, the bottom floor serves as a museum that explores the controversial role and perspective of Gone With the Wind and the life of Margaret Mitchell.
Learn more about Margaret Mitchell with this 6 minute recap of her life, or take a little more time to learn about her with this 60 minute video.