Nestled along the Savannah River, Augusta, Georgia, is a city steeped in history. Known for its Southern charm, Augusta’s Historic District offers a glimpse into the past with its well-preserved architecture, storied landmarks, and rich cultural heritage. For both residents and visitors, exploring Augusta’s Historic District is like taking a walk through time. In this blog, we’ll guide you through the most notable sites, hidden gems, and cultural experiences that make this area a must-visit destination.
1. A Brief History of Augusta’s Historic District
Founded in 1736, Augusta is one of Georgia’s oldest cities. Originally established as a trading post, Augusta quickly grew into a significant commercial hub due to its strategic location on the Savannah River. Over the centuries, the city has witnessed pivotal events in American history, from the Revolutionary War to the Civil War, leaving behind a rich tapestry of historical landmarks and cultural heritage.
Augusta’s Historic District, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, encompasses a large area that includes some of the city’s oldest neighborhoods, stately homes, and important civic buildings. Walking through the district, visitors can experience a variety of architectural styles, from Federal and Greek Revival to Victorian and Beaux-Arts, each telling its own story about the city’s evolution.
2. The Augusta Canal: A Historic Engineering Marvel
Address: 1450 Greene St, Augusta, GA 30901
Key Highlights: Historic waterway, canal tours, walking trails
The Augusta Canal is not only a beautiful waterway but also an engineering marvel that played a crucial role in the city’s industrial development. Completed in 1845, the canal was designed to harness the power of the Savannah River to drive mills and factories, making Augusta one of the South’s leading manufacturing centers during the 19th century.
Today, the Augusta Canal is a popular spot for outdoor recreation and historical exploration. Visitors can take guided boat tours that offer insights into the canal’s history and its role in Augusta’s growth. The adjacent towpaths are perfect for walking or biking, offering picturesque views of the water and the surrounding natural landscape.
3. The Boyhood Home of President Woodrow Wilson
Address: 419 7th St, Augusta, GA 30901
Key Highlights: Historic home, museum, guided tours
One of the most notable landmarks in Augusta’s Historic District is the Boyhood Home of President Woodrow Wilson. The 28th President of the United States spent much of his childhood in this elegant Greek Revival house, which has been meticulously restored to reflect the period in which he lived there.
The home is now a museum that offers guided tours, providing visitors with a fascinating look into the early life of Woodrow Wilson and the experiences that shaped his future presidency. The house is filled with original furnishings, family portraits, and other personal items that offer a unique glimpse into the Wilson family’s life during the late 19th century.
4. Sacred Heart Cultural Center
Address: 1301 Greene St, Augusta, GA 30901
Key Highlights: Historic church, architectural gem, event venue
Sacred Heart Cultural Center is one of Augusta’s most iconic landmarks, renowned for its stunning architecture and historical significance. Originally built in 1900 as a Catholic church, Sacred Heart features intricate brickwork, soaring twin spires, and beautifully detailed stained glass windows.
Although it no longer serves as a place of worship, Sacred Heart has been preserved as a cultural center and event venue. The building hosts a variety of cultural events, including art exhibitions, concerts, and weddings. Visitors can also explore the interior to admire the breathtaking architecture and learn about the building’s history through informative displays.
5. Meadow Garden: The Home of George Walton
Address: 1320 Independence Dr, Augusta, GA 30901
Key Highlights: Historic home, Signer of the Declaration of Independence, guided tours
Meadow Garden is another significant historic site in Augusta, serving as the former home of George Walton, one of Georgia’s signers of the Declaration of Independence. This charming 18th-century house offers a window into the life of one of America’s Founding Fathers.
The home has been preserved as a museum, with guided tours available to take visitors through the various rooms, each furnished with period-appropriate antiques and artifacts. The tour provides insights into Walton’s contributions to the American Revolution and his later role as Georgia’s governor.
6. The Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art
Address: 506 Telfair St, Augusta, GA 30901
Key Highlights: Historic home, art gallery, classes and workshops
Located in the historic Ware’s Folly mansion, the Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art is Augusta’s oldest art gallery and an important cultural institution. The mansion, built in 1818, is an architectural gem in its own right, showcasing Federal-style design with intricate details.
The institute offers rotating exhibitions featuring works by local, regional, and national artists. In addition to the gallery space, the Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art provides art classes and workshops for both adults and children, making it a vibrant center for creative learning and artistic expression.
7. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
Address: 605 Reynolds St, Augusta, GA 30901
Key Highlights: Historic church, cemetery, community events
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church is one of Augusta’s oldest and most historic churches, with roots dating back to the city’s founding. The current building, completed in 1919, is the fifth church to stand on this site, and it features beautiful Gothic Revival architecture.
The church’s cemetery is the final resting place of many notable figures in Augusta’s history, including veterans of the Revolutionary War and the Civil War. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the church and the grounds, exploring the rich history and significance of this important religious site.
8. The Old Medical College of Georgia
Address: 598 Telfair St, Augusta, GA 30901
Key Highlights: Historic medical school, museum, architectural tours
The Old Medical College of Georgia, established in 1829, is one of the oldest medical schools in the Southern United States. The building, designed in Greek Revival style, served as the original campus for the Medical College of Georgia and is now a National Historic Landmark.
The Old Medical College is open to the public for tours, offering a fascinating look at the early history of medical education in Georgia. The building also houses a museum with exhibits on the history of medicine and the evolution of medical practices over the centuries.
9. Augusta Museum of History
Address: 560 Reynolds St, Augusta, GA 30901
Key Highlights: Local history, exhibitions, historic artifacts
No visit to Augusta’s Historic District would be complete without a stop at the Augusta Museum of History. Founded in 1937, the museum is dedicated to preserving and interpreting the rich history of Augusta and the surrounding region.
The museum’s exhibits cover a wide range of topics, from the city’s colonial past to its role in the Civil War and its development as a modern urban center. Highlights include the restored 1914 locomotive, the “Augusta’s Story” exhibit, and the James Brown exhibit, celebrating the life and legacy of the “Godfather of Soul.”
10. Morris Museum of Art
Address: 1 10th St, Augusta, GA 30901
Key Highlights: Southern art, rotating exhibitions, cultural programs
The Morris Museum of Art is a cultural treasure in Augusta, showcasing an extensive collection of Southern art that spans two centuries. Located along the Riverwalk in downtown Augusta, the museum features works by both well-known and emerging Southern artists, covering a wide range of styles and mediums.
In addition to its permanent collection, the Morris Museum hosts rotating exhibitions and offers a variety of cultural programs, including lectures, workshops, and special events. The museum is a great place to immerse yourself in the artistic heritage of the South while exploring Augusta’s Historic District.
11. The Ezekiel Harris House
Address: 1822 Broad St, Augusta, GA 30904
Key Highlights: Historic home, Georgian architecture, guided tours
The Ezekiel Harris House is one of the finest examples of Georgian architecture in the Southeast. Built in 1797, this historic home is known for its elegant brick facade, Palladian windows, and intricate woodwork. The house was originally owned by Ezekiel Harris, a prominent tobacco merchant in Augusta.
Today, the Ezekiel Harris House operates as a museum, offering guided tours that provide insight into the life of the Harris family and the architectural significance of the home. The interior is furnished with period antiques, giving visitors a glimpse into the lifestyle of Augusta’s early elite.
12. Springfield Baptist Church
Address: 114 12th St, Augusta, GA 30901
Key Highlights: Historic church, African American history, civil rights heritage
Springfield Baptist Church holds a special place in Augusta’s history as one of the oldest African American congregations in the United States. Founded in 1787 by freed slaves, the church has been a cornerstone of the African American community in Augusta for over two centuries.
The current church building, constructed in 1910, is a beautiful example of Gothic Revival architecture. Springfield Baptist Church played a pivotal role in the civil rights movement, hosting important meetings and events. Visitors can learn about the church’s rich history and its contributions to the fight for equality through guided tours and educational programs.
13. Historic Telfair Street
Key Highlights: Architectural tour, historic homes, walking route
Telfair Street is one of Augusta’s most historic thoroughfares, lined with beautiful homes and important civic buildings that date back to the 19th century. Taking a walk down Telfair Street is like stepping back in time, as you’ll encounter a variety of architectural styles, from Greek Revival to Victorian.
Some of the notable buildings along Telfair Street include the Old Medical College of Georgia, the Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art, and several stately mansions that were once home to Augusta’s leading families. A leisurely stroll down Telfair Street offers a picturesque and educational journey through Augusta’s architectural heritage.
14. The Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History
Address: 1116 Phillips St, Augusta, GA 30901
Key Highlights: African American history, cultural exhibits, educational programs
The Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History is dedicated to preserving the legacy of Lucy Craft Laney, an influential educator and civil rights leader in Augusta. The museum is housed in Laney’s former home and features exhibits on African American history, culture, and art.
Visitors can explore the museum’s collection of historical artifacts, photographs, and documents that tell the story of Augusta’s African American community. The museum also offers educational programs and cultural events that celebrate the contributions of African Americans to the city’s history.
15. Summerville Historic District
Key Highlights: Historic neighborhood, architectural diversity, scenic views
The Summerville Historic District, also known as “The Hill,” is one of Augusta’s most picturesque neighborhoods. Located on a high bluff overlooking the city, Summerville is known for its beautiful homes, tree-lined streets, and stunning views of the Savannah River.
The neighborhood features a mix of architectural styles, including Victorian, Colonial Revival, and Craftsman homes. Many of the houses in Summerville date back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries and have been meticulously preserved. A walk through Summerville offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of downtown Augusta, with plenty of opportunities to admire the area’s historic charm.
Conclusion
Exploring Augusta’s Historic District is a journey through time, offering a rich tapestry of history, architecture, and culture. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, an architecture lover, or simply looking to experience the charm of this Southern city, Augusta’s Historic District has something to offer. From the stately homes of Telfair Street to the cultural landmarks like Sacred Heart and the Lucy Craft Laney Museum, every corner of this district tells a story.
As you walk through the streets of Augusta’s Historic District, you’ll not only discover the city’s past but also gain a deeper appreciation for the people and events that have shaped its present. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or have lived in Augusta all your life, the Historic District is a place where history comes alive and invites you to be a part of its ongoing story.
FAQs
1. What is the best time of year to visit Augusta’s Historic District?
The best time to visit Augusta’s Historic District is during the spring or fall when the weather is mild, and the city’s gardens and parks are in full bloom.
2. Are there guided tours available in Augusta’s Historic District?
Yes, many historic sites in Augusta offer guided tours. The Augusta Canal, the Boyhood Home of President Woodrow Wilson, and the Old Medical College of Georgia are just a few places where you can enjoy a guided experience.
3. Is Augusta’s Historic District walkable?
Yes, Augusta’s Historic District is very walkable, with many of the key sites and attractions located within close proximity to each other.
4. Are there any special events held in Augusta’s Historic District?
Yes, the Historic District hosts several events throughout the year, including the Sacred Heart Garden Festival, the Augusta Canal Music Cruise, and various cultural exhibitions at local museums.
5. Can I visit the Historic District on a budget?
Absolutely! Many of the historic sites and museums in Augusta’s Historic District offer affordable admission, and several public spaces, like the Augusta Canal and Telfair Street, are free to explore.