Discover Milledgeville: 12 Entertaining Fun Facts about Georgia's Historic Gem

1. Lafayette's Southern Soiree

In a bit of "oui, oui, mon ami" mixed with a dash of southern hospitality: Milledgeville, Georgia hosted the Marquis de Lafayette, a hero of the American Revolution, in 1825 – complete with receptions, formal dinner, barbecue, and a boot-scootin' grand ball, cementing its role as a burgeoning political and social hub of antebellum Georgia.
Source => georgiaencyclopedia.org

2. Haunting Central State Hospital

If the walls of Central State Hospital could talk, they'd probably scream for mercy: Milledgeville, Georgia was once the site of one of America's largest mental institutions, with over 13,000 patients subjected to lobotomies, insulin shock therapy, and electro-convulsive therapy sans sedation. Today, Central State stands as a haunted, crumbling shell, its ghostly wards hiding untold stories of human suffering.
Source => the-line-up.com

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=> Fun Facts about Augusta

3. Flannery O'Connor's Feathery Friends

Milledgeville's own Flannery O'Connor was no stranger to fowl play, as she juggled literary life with passionately raising chickens and turning heads with her glamorous peacocks: This Southern Gothic author, known for her works like Wise Blood and A Good Man is Hard to Find, brought a touch of Catholic-infused themes and the grotesque to the literary world before her untimely passing at 39.
Source => literaryladiesguide.com

4. Lake Sinclair's Crystal-Clear Charm

Lake Sinclair ain't no "Crystal Lake" from those horror films, but it sure serves up a clear and monstrous good time: Boasting one of the largest and cleanest bodies of water in Georgia, Lake Sinclair has a well-maintained planned cooperative program that preserves its natural environment and guarantees an unparalleled quality of life for its lucky inhabitants.
Source => kimandlinlogan.com

5. Magical Club at Lake Sinclair

Behold, weary traveler, the mystical land of Milledgeville, where golf balls soar like eagles and boats glide on the tranquil waters of Lake Sinclair: Within this enchanting realm lies The Club at Lake Sinclair, boasting a stunning 18-hole golf course, elegant dining at Aubri Lane's Restaurant, and exclusive boat dock privileges for members, who can also bask in family-friendly activities at their resort-style pools, tennis courts, sports court, and Kid's Club with activities like crafts and movie nights.
Source => tcls.club

6. Georgia College's Timeless Towers

If you've got the time, Milledgeville will chime: this homey Georgian town boasts a historic district on Georgia College & State University's campus, featuring an iconic clock tower that undoubtedly ticks all the picturesque boxes. Founded in 1889, the university stands as one of the oldest public liberal arts institutions in the state with buildings that'll rewind the clock back to the 1800s.
Source => gacities.com

7. Georgia Military College's Unique Beat

In Milledgeville, GA, they march to the beat of their own drum, quite literally: Home to the Georgia Military College, founded in 1879, this institute is one of only five Military Junior Colleges in the U.S., preparing students for transfer to four-year institutions and offering a military training component for those in the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) and Junior ROTC programs.
Source => gmc.edu

8. Milledgeville's Game of Thrones Era

Once upon a time in a land wrinklier than a shar-pei puppy, Milledgeville, Georgia held the majestic title of state capital and birthed political dramas that could rival Game of Thrones: From 1803 to 1868, it witnessed history in the making, including the Georgia Secession Convention of 1861 where they decided to break up with the Union and write their own constitution - now that's what we call a plot twist! Today, history buffs can travel back in time by exploring the Old Governor's Mansion and other royally intriguing sites.
Source => georgiaencyclopedia.org

9. Explore Antebellum Architectural Wonders

Knock knock, anyone home? History's answer is a resounding "Yes" at Milledgeville, Georgia – the city that held the state's reins for over 60 power-packed years: Once the capital of Georgia, Milledgeville's design back in 1803 included scenic squares and spacious streets – a fitting tribute for a ruling city. Boasting an impressive repertoire of surviving Antebellum homes, the city prides itself on the Old Capitol Building in Statehouse Square, keeping watch from the highest point. Visitors can embark on a self-guided walking tour, showcasing over 40 historic homes with architectural flavors ranging from Federal-style to Greek Revival, Victorian, and Classic revival – tour brochures are available at the Visitor's Center on West Hancock Street.
Source => tripadvisor.com

10. Pajama-Clad Virtual Art Adventures

Ready to click your way through creations, without leaving your comfy couch? Behold, the wonders of Milledgeville's new "walk-through-virtually-only" gallery of scenic splendor: Allied Arts in Milledgeville, Georgia is now proudly hosting a virtual art exhibit that showcases the photographic talent of local artist Ed Scheff in their Mountains to Sea exhibit, capturing Georgia's breathtaking landscapes through the innovative use of Artsteps, an open-source program designed to bring immersive art experiences directly to your device. Say goodbye to crowded galleries and hello to art appreciation in pajamas!
Source => 13wmaz.com

11. Unveiling Milledgeville's Secret History

If you've ever felt the need to "Mill" around in time while exploring a place bursting with history and government secrets, Milledgeville, Georgia, might just be the jackpot you've been waiting for: Established in 1803 as the capital of Georgia, this historic town has got venerable buildings like the Old Capital Museum deviously guarding tales of its political past, all just waiting to be discovered by a new generation of intrepid, time-traveling adventurers!
Source => gcsu.edu

12. Old Governor's Mansion: Civil War Hotspot

It’s said that Milledgeville's Old Governor's Mansion was the "it" place for Georgia's political drama during the Civil War, with generals giving speeches like it was the hottest open mic night in the South: Actually, this stately home played a central role for Governor Joseph E. Brown's push for Georgia's autonomous place within the Confederate States of America, and even served as Union General William T. Sherman's temporary base in 1864. Today, it stands as a fancy museum, where you can get a tour and revel in Georgia's past political shenanigans!
Source => georgiaencyclopedia.org