What Is the Peach State?

Georgia, the last of the original thirteen colonies to join the Union, is known as the Peach State. Georgia peaches have long been recognized as the crème de la crème of the peach industry, and are considered to be ideal specimens. Georgia is home to a lot more than peaches, however, and has a diverse economy based in agriculture, industry, and energy.

Being among the oldest states in America, Georgia has a long and rich history dating back to the early sixteenth century when the Europeans and allied American Indians fought the Spanish for the land. In 1724, it was suggested that the territory be named Province of Georgia, after the king of Great Britain, George the Second. The Province of Georgia was involved in the Revolutionary War, but, due to the relative youth of the province, was not a major military force in the war. In 1861, the Peach State joined the Confederacy, and was a major theatre of battle in the American Civil War.

In 1829, miners found large deposits of gold in the northern mountains, making the Peach State home to first gold rush in American history and prompting the construction of a Federal mint in Dahlonega. This was just the start of Georgia's powerful and expansive economy. If Georgia were a standalone country, it would possess one of the top 50 largest economies in the world, due in large part to the variety of Fortune 500 and other international business headquarters stationed in Georgia. The combination of Georgia's sub-tropical climate and mineral-rich mountainous region are responsible for the Peach State having a healthy tourist-based income, as well as successful manufacturing, lumber, and, of course, agricultural industries.

Rhythm and Blues has a long history in the Peach State, with prominent figures such as James Brown, Ray Charles, and Otis Redding calling the state home. These artists, considered among the most influential of the 20^th century, developed their music in and around Georgia up through the 1960s and remain household names to this day. Georgia is also considered the home of iconic southern rock musicians The Allman Brothers, Lynyrd Skynrd, and the Marshall Tucker Band. The soulful music produced in and around Georgia since the begin of the 20^th century is a mark of distinguished pride for all Georgia residents.

Atlanta, Georgia, the state's capital, is one of the largest cities in the southeastern United States and serves as a major force behind Georgia's economy. Atlanta is home to numerous professional sports teams, representing every major league sport in America. Atlanta is also home to a symphony orchestra, an opera, and a professional ballet troupe.

Courtesy of the Hartsfield Jackson International airport, the busiest airport in the world, Atlanta serves as a major domestic and international destination, which no doubt influences the world class shopping centers and five-star accommodations that surround the downtown area. Atlanta is also home to one of the highest concentrations of colleges and universities in the country, with over thirty institutes of higher education. Among these institutes are the Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, both of which are regarded as leading universities in the United States and the world.