Travel Back in Time in These 8 Historic Towns in Georgia

Georgia has so many different cities and towns just brimming with history. Many of these wonderful places have worked tirelessly to maintain their architectural integrity as well as their ties to the past. We've come up with a list of some of the oldest towns in Georgia, just in case you haven't visited them yourself, so you can see what it's like to travel through towns settled almost two centuries ago. Get ready for a trip back in time, Georgians. Visiting these historical hotspots is always an exciting adventure!

1. St. Mary's, Georgia

Also known as the "Rock Shrimp Capital of the U.S.," St. Mary's is one of the oldest cities in America, having been settled in the 1700s. The oldest marked grave dates back to 1801 in the Oak Grove Cemetery, where you can still find the remains of early settlers and yellow-fever victims. Now, St. Mary's is a quiet, charming seaport known for its railroad history and being the gateway to the beautiful Cumberland Island.

2. Eatonton, Georgia

Named after the diplomat and adventurer William Eaton, the city of Eatonton was incorporated as a town back in 1809. Here, you can take a walk through the historical district and see some of the maintained architecture from the 1800s. From historic homes to interesting museums like the Georgia Writers Museum, Eatonton has plenty to offer.

3. Madison, Georgia

Feel free to take a walking tour in Madison, which shows off antebellum homes, plus the surviving buildings left after Sherman's army spared the town from total destruction during the Civil War. Make sure when you visit this historic town, you check out the 1811 Greek Revival Heritage Hall. Chock-full of period furniture, it is open Tuesday through Sunday for tours.

4. Moultrie, Georgia

The historic district in Moultrie is so old and valuable to the country that the National Registry of Historic Places added it to the list in 1994. Most of the architecture in this old town features colonial revival and neoclassical techniques, plus turn-of-the-century brick structures. It may be old, but it sure is beautiful.

5. Hartwell, Georgia

This small city in Georgia was incorporated in 1856 and then exploded in the 1870s when the railroad was completed. A lot of the downtown area features historic preservation of buildings and shops, which have been restored to their full glory. Today, you'll find many unique businesses occupying these storied buildings, waiting to be explored.

6. Brunswick, Georgia

This fair city was put on the map during the colonial era when the port opened up its doors and started welcoming ships. There are also some pretty fascinating elements of the city that seem to draw tourists, like the 900-year-old tree, which legend says was a meeting place for Native Americans, or the Holfwyl-Broadfield Plantation, a state historic site that details life in the early 1800s in Brunswick. There's also the stunning Old City Hall, which doubles as an event space and part-time city courthouse.

7. Montezuma, Georgia

Some of the regional history of Montezuma dates back to 1837, which is when the county was founded. A lot of the architecture downtown dates back to the 1850s and you can still visit the town's railroad depot. Built in 1890, it is now home to the Macon County Historical Museum, where you can learn even more about this fascinating town.

8. Watkinsville, Georgia

Watkinsville is actually the largest city in Oconee County, despite having less than 5,000 residents. But what makes this town so famous is the fact that it was founded a mere 58 years after James Oglethorpe founded the colony of Georgia. It's still standing, and still just as important. If you ever stop in this captivating Georgia town, be sure to see its historic covered bridge, which is more than 125 years old.

So, what do you think about the oldest towns in Georgia? Have you visited any yourself? If you know more towns in Georgia that are rich in history, make sure you tell us about them. Ready to check out one of these history-filled towns in the Peach State? Use Only In Your State's itinerary planner to fill your trip with amazing stops and sites.