Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park
(Macon, GA)
Oculmogee Mounds National Historical Park is a collection of very old and important mounds and earthworks along the Ocmulgeee River and Walnut Creek. Starting from the visitor center, you can walk to the several remaining mounds and see a recreated earth lodge. Behind these is a huge nature area on the river where I even saw several deer walking around.
Jarrell Plantation State Historic Site
(Juliette, GA)
This Georgia state historic site is original location of a large and prosperous plantation and farm that was held by a single family from pre-civil war days until the 1970s until part of it was donated to the state. It contains the original homes and farm buildings dating from the 1840s, 1890s, 1910s, and more. These are largely left in original condition with farm tools, machinery, and home items all left in place. Most you cannot enter but rather look into to get a feel for life in those different eras. There are even some farm animals and gardening going on there to give it an authentic feel.
Roosevelt’s Little White House State Historic Site
(Warms Springs, GA)
Though not from Georgia, Franklin Delano Roosevelt became very closely attached to the town of Warm Springs, GA whose natural thermal pools seemed to alleviate the symptoms of polio that he and many others experienced. He eventually built a second home in Warm Springs, a simple little house dubbed the Little White House. He would spend much time during the years at this location even after he became president of the United States. Indeed, he actually died at this house during his presidency so it has became a significant site. You can tour the home as it was at this time as well as its adjacent grounds and a museum that highlights FDR’s legacy. Filled with presidential quotes, it’s a great reminder of the great leader he was through some of America’s most difficult times.
