History of Augusta

The city of Augusta was founded in 1735 as a defensive encampment designed to fend off Spanish and French incursions. Augusta is strategically located at the head of the Savannah River, making it a key point along the river defensively. The town remained a primarily defensive encampment until 1739 when a road was constructed that linked Augusta with the larger colony at Savannah. The colony was ruled as a parish, with the seat at St. Paul’s, built in 1750.

Augusta was hotly contested during the American Revolution. With its key location along the Savannah River, both sides considered it an important city to possess. The British captured Savannah early on, and from then on, focused on Augusta as a target. The city changed hands twice during the American Civil War. After the war, Augusta began to rise in importance economically. The Augusta Canal gave the city a thriving textile industry. The city also produced gunpowder and paper during this period.

With the arrival of a rail link, Augusta came into direct trading contact with Atlanta. The city soon became the second largest in Georgia, behind Atlanta. With the arrival of the Civil War, Augusta became a major center of production for the Confederate military. The city suffered a major influx of refugees in 1863 as the Confederacy began to lose territory. Augusta narrowly escaped destruction at the hands of General Sherman’s army as it marched south. As one of the few towns unaffected by the Civil War in Georgia, Augusta took the lead in agriculture and industry afterwards.

Because of its intact infrastructure following the Civil War, Augusta prospered, becoming the largest exporter of cotton in the state. The city also benefited from the presence of several military establishments leading up to World War I. The military presence continued to grow, especially with World War II on the horizon. The U.S. Army employed many in the area after World War II, moving such establishments as the Signal Training Center into the area.

Augusta was a center of controversy during the Civil Rights Movement. The city saw rioting during the 1960s as racial tensions mounted. Following the 1960s, the downtown Augusta area fell into disrepair, with businesses moving away. Efforts continue today to revitalize the struggling downtown area.

Economy of Augusta

The economy of Augusta has long benefited from its prime location along the Savannah River. The point at which Augusta exists along the Savannah River has been used in trade for many years, dating back to Native American times. The Native Americans used the head of the river as a point for crossings for many years, facilitating trade in the region long before European explorers arrived.

Europeans soon realized the crucial importance of the area in which Augusta is located. Augusta was the second city established in Georgia, not long after Savannah was founded. The city was built in order to protect both the vital crossing and the interests of the cities downriver from the point. With the establishment of road networks in the region, Augusta became very important as a hub of trade. This importance was further emphasized with the construction of a rail line in the area.

When the rail line reached Augusta, the city became a vital trading partner of Atlanta, funneling goods and crops from Atlanta to the rest of the country. Because it was spared destruction during the Civil War, Augusta became very important in the reconstruction of the area. Augusta was soon the dominant trading entity in Georgia, exporting a large amount of cotton in those years.

Augusta remains an important trading hub to this day, its location along the Savannah River making it just as vital today.

Augusta Tourism

Augusta is a grand city with a great deal to see and do. Take a ride on the Augusta Canal boat tours to get a feel for the history and beauty of the Augusta area. The Augusta Museum of History will show you the storied past of Augusta, shedding light on the many important events that have taken place there. Augusta is also home to the National Science Center, which is a fascinating place to visit. The Queen Anne Inn is a wonderful place to stay while in Augusta. To see some of the best arts and crafts in the country, visit the Lucy Craft Laney Museum.

Augusta Family Dentistry

If you are planning to move to the Augusta Georgia area or have recently relocated to Augusta and you are looking for a good Augusta Family Dentist, the best way is to ask your old dentist to see if he or she has a colleague in Augusta. Many family dentists will typically keep in contact with many dentists all over the US when they are attending dental seminars and conventions.