You may find the pictures of Macon jaw-dropping, but many of you believe that all that glitters is not gold. This is true to some extent but not in the case of Macon. The city is exactly like what it appears from outside. In fact, its beauty gets magnified as closer as you go to it. But, its not only Macon's good looks that make you fall for it. The city has abundant of aspects that serve as the testaments of its beauty. Wherever you mosey around, you will meet some lovely and amicable people always lending a helping hand. Weather always remains nice to you accommodating you wholeheartedly. Food culture is just unparalleled and can make you addict to Macon's delicacies. The architectural wonders of the city can easily make you go bananas. Beauty also lies in Macon's past. The more you unfold the chapters of its history, the more you fall head over heels for it. We believe that we have conveyed you enough to give you goose bumps, and you must be all set for your next trip.
Image by Alexdi at English Wikipedia [CC BY 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
History of Macon
The city was established at the site of Fort Benjamin Hawkins in order to establish a post to accomplish trading purpose with Native Americans. The later years witnessed the invasion of many settlers who renamed the fort as 'Newtown'. In 1823, the city was granted the charter as the county seat. Also, it was named 'Macon' in the honor of Nathaniel Macon, a North Carolina statesman. In 1836, Wesleyan College was established in the city which became United States' first college granting degrees to women. In 1843, a railroad brought favorable marketing opportunities in the city driving its economy commendably. During 20th century, the city became popular as Middle Georgia's prospering town. It was revered as a transportation hub for Georgia. By the end of 20th century, Macon's economy was altogether based upon and driven by financial & insurance employment, retail & service, tourism, and health care. Today, Macon has become an unparalleled hub of finance, retail, medical, culture, and education.
Important Locations in Macon
Ocmulgee National Monument
Famed as prehistoric American Indian
site, Ocmulgee National Monument boasts of its history timeline of
approx. 17,000 years. American Indians are claimed to be the first
inhabitants arrived the site during Paleo-Indian period. Ocmulgee
National Monument is said to be an ancestral homeland belonging to
Muscogee Nation. Situated along the Ocmulgee River, Ocmulgee National
Monument commences from South Carolina and sprawls all across Georgia
stretching access to Alabama. Ocmulgee National Monument is a true and
unparalleled epitome of environmental diversity boasting of various
natural resources and myriads of habitats for different species of
wildlife and plants.
Want to know more?
The Allman Brothers Band Museum
To
preserve the memories of Allman Brothers Band, The Big House located at
Vineville Avenue was creatively transformed into a museum. The
foundation of The Allman Brothers Band Museum was laid in order to
preserve the legacy of music that the Allman Brothers Band always wanted
to pass on to its community and posterity. With the establishment of
The Allman Brothers Band Museum, it was made evident how the Big House
Foundation is unprecedentedly preserving the memorabilia of the Allman
Brothers Band. Your eye balls will roll in different directions as every
corner of the museum is so picturesque and breathtaking. The museum is
dotted with The Parlor, The Filmore East Room, The Old Dining Room, The
Living Room, Duane Allman’s Bedroom, Brittany Oakley’s Bedroom, The
“Casbah” /Music Room, and many more.
Get more details here.
Sidney Lanier Cottage
Sidney
Lanier is not a new name to Maconites and all those who possess a great
passion of music and poetry. For many, he was an unparalleled poet of
his time. No one could beat his level. “Song of the Chattahoochee” and
“The Marshes of Glynn” are the best of the gifts from him to this world.
For many, no one could ever surpass him whenever it came to music. In
the world of music, he was second to none. Last but not the least, he
was acknowledged worldwide for his altruistic services as a soldier. To
commemorate his contributions and memories, his birthplace was preserved
and restored in Gothic-Revival style in 1880. This commendable job was
taken and performed well by the Historic Macon Foundation. In 1972, it
also found a place on the list of the National Register of Historic
Places. To get well acquainted with his life and works, take a stroll
throughout his cottage and catch the glimpse of his artifacts including
his books and instruments.
For more info, visit the link.
Museum of Arts and Sciences
Sprawling
across 14-acre of land, the Museum of Arts and Sciences is the most
breathtaking spot to witness an unprecedented amalgamation of arts and
sciences. The museum is all dedicated to the people of Central Georgia
and thus always strive to preserve, research, comprehend, interpret and
exhibit various significant cultural, scientific, artistic, and
historical values and phenomena which hold a great significance in their
life and lucrative for their existence and survival. By and large, the
Museum of Arts and Sciences is engaged into promoting and propagating
the deep insights of humankind and its heritage. Hence, your engagement
with the museum can fulfill your enrichment and enlightenment needs by
evoking a great interest, curiosity in you and a positive attitude
towards the new happenings and discoveries all around the world.
Get detailed info here.
Fort Benjamin Hawkins
In
1806, President Thomas Jefferson and Col. Benjamin Hawkins together
laid the stones of Fort Benjamin Hawkins. Benjamin Hawkins was honored
by giving the fort a name after his name. It was established as an
official U.S. Army Fort as well as an Indian Factory to prompt the
meeting, interacting, and trading with Native Americans. Thus, the fort
was seen as a site possessing military, political and economic
importance. In the history of Macon, the fort is revered as an icon. Its
archeological site has been placed on the list of the National Register
of Historic Places. Approx. 40,000 artifacts had been recovered during
the fort era indicative of the lives of different people belonging to
different species. In 1993, the Fort Benjamin Hawkins was also included
in Fort Hill Historic District.
Here are the details.
Johnston-Felton-Hay House
Architectural
wonder is what Johnston-Felton-Hay House called by people. In 1974,
Johnston-Felton-Hay House was declared a National Historic Landmark due
to being one of the astonishing structures based in Georgia. We are sure
that you would fall for its Italian Renaissance revive style of
architecture. Architecture buffs go crazy for its sense of symmetry.
Sprawling across 18,000 s. ft. of area, Johnston-Felton-Hay House is
dotted with 24 principal rooms. The central block of Johnston-Felton-Hay
House is surrounded by two identical wings. An octagonal cupola is atop
the House which serves as a ventilation system blowing hot air out of
the house. To provide students with learning opportunities
Johnston-Felton-Hay House conducts educational programming so that they
can achieve a better understanding of cultural and historical
significance of the community in which they live.
Visit the link and know more.
Cannonball House
In
1853, the Cannonball House started off its journey as a planter's
townhouse. If you are very fond of Greek Revival architecture, then
Cannonball House is definitely going to blow your mind. Due to its
architectural assets, the Cannonball House has also been placed on the
list of National Register of Historic Places. The House is revered as an
incredible testament of Georgia's heritage. It is indulged into
acquiring, preserving, and exhibiting the artifacts that represent the
heritage of the state remarkably and completely. Through its special
events, exhibits, and educational programs, the Cannonball House has
made an attempt to educate and inform the mass about the rich history of
Georgia. Its educational tours serve the students of all age groups
covering various niches that interest them the most.
Find details here.
Tubman Museum
If
art and History is what that interests you the most, then you belong to
Tubman Museum. It is an unparalleled hub of art and history where you
get amazed every bit of time. It has been entertaining and educating
people since 1981. Thus, visiting Tubman Museum could be an edutainment
experience. The museum got its name after Harriet Tubman who was fondly
called 'Black Moses'. His contributions created a clear and clean path
for his followers inspiring and compelling them to break all the chains
of slavery and fight for freedom until they achieve it altogether.
Hence, by and large, he was a visionary. By the course of time, the
museum attained the status of the most prominent institution revered as a
cultural as well as educational resource nestling in the southeast
region. Thus, to get acquainted with the insights of the history, art
and culture of African Americans, you ought to visit Tubman Museum at
least once in your lifetime.
For more, click here.
People and Culture of Macon
With a population more than 153,691, Macon has become Macon metropolitan area's principal city and the largest city situated in the Combined Statistical Area of Macon–Warner Robins. Its population is a melting pot of myriads of racial and ethnic groups with African Americans outnumbering others. The other races are Whites, Native Americans, Asians, Pacific Islanders, Hispanics or Latinos. There are several museums and performing arts centers devoted to flourishing and promoting city's cultural scene. The Tubman African American Museum is engaged in interpreting and providing understanding of African American history, art, and culture. The Cannonball House & Museum, Sidney Lanier Cottage, the Hay House, Mercer University's Woodruff House, and many more museums are the testament of the cultural past of the city. Macon Little Theater, Theatre Macon, The Macon Symphony, Grand Opera House, Macon Centreplex, Edgar H. Wilson Convention Center, and many more are devoted to representing city's cultural programming.
Time Zone and Phone Codes of Macon
Macon is in Eastern Time Zone (UTC-5). The Standard Daylight Saving Time (DST) is Eastern Daylight Time (UTC-4).
Standard time zone: UTC/GMT -5 hours
Daylight saving time: 1 hour
Current time zone offset: UTC/GMT -4 hours
Time zone abbreviation: EDT
Phone Code of Macon: 478
Best Time to Visit Macon
The time period from March 13 to May 22 is believed to be the the most ideal time to visit Macon. During this time the city remains free from muggy as well as dry air. A wave of gentle breeze flows around the entire city around March 3. The time period from September 28 till November 25 is also said to be the favorable time to plan your vacations in Macon. During this time, there remains no muggy or dry air in the city.
March-MaySpring Spirit Stroll
Mulberry Street Arts & Crafts FestivalTubman Pan African FestivalSpring Stroll of Macon's Houses & GardensMacon's International Cherry Blossom FestivalJune-AugustDesign Wine & DineMacon Film FestivalBragg JamThe Juneteenth Freedom FestivalSeptember-NovemberOcmulgee Indian CelebrationSpirits in OctoberMacon OctoberfestFestival of TreesDecember-FebruaryFestival of TreesZumba at North Macon Park
A Map Guide on Macon's Important Locations
