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Americus, GA

Frequently asked questions

Americus, GA

Americus is the county seat of Sumter County, Georgia, United States. As of the 2020 census, the city had a population of 16,230. It is the principal city of the Americus Micropolitan Statistical Area, a micropolitan area that covers Schley and Sumter counties, and had a combined population of 36,966 at the 2000 census.

Habitat for Humanity was founded in America and its international headquarters is there, as well as The Fuller Center for Housing's international headquarters, Georgia Southwestern State University, the Windsor Hotel, The Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers, Cafe Campesino, and many other organizations. The city is notable for its rich history, including a large business and residential historic district, being one of the 29 places where Martin Luther King was jailed, the infamous Leesburg Stockade incident, and its close proximity to Jimmy Carter National Historic Site, Andersonville National Historic Site, and Koinonia Farm.

For its first two decades, Americus was a small courthouse town. The arrival of the railroad in 1854 and, three decades later, local attorney Samuel H. Hawkins' construction of the only privately financed railroad in state history made Americus the eighth largest city in Georgia into the 20th century. It was known as the "Metropolis of Southwest Georgia", a reflection of its status as a cotton distribution center.

In 1890, Georgia's first chartered electric street car system went into operation in America. One of its restored cars is on permanent display at the Lake Blackshear Regional Library, a gift from the Robert T. Crabb family who acquired the street car in the 1940s.

The town was already graced with an abundance of antebellum and Victorian architecture when local capitalists opened the Windsor Hotel in 1892. A five-story Queen Anne edifice, it was designed by a Swedish architect, Gottfried L. Norrman, in Atlanta. Vice-President Thomas R. Marshall gave a speech from the balcony in 1917, and soon-to-be New York Governor Franklin D. Roosevelt spoke in the dining room in 1928. On January 1, 1976, the city center was listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the Americus Historic District. The district boundaries were extended in 1979.

Americus is located at 32°4′31″N 84°13′36″W (32.075221, -84.226602). According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 10.7 square miles (28 km²), of which 10.5 square miles (27 km²) is land and 0.2 square miles (0.52 km²) (1.87%) is water.

Americus places a strong emphasis on health and wellness for its residents. The Phoebe Sumter Medical Center is a leading healthcare facility in the region, providing comprehensive medical services to the community. Start your wellness journey at Pure Tranquility Day Spa & Massage, Med Spa Of Americus, or at Stone River Spa LLC where you can indulge in relaxing massages and spa treatments. For fitness enthusiasts, the Lake Blackshear Resort & Golf Club provides an excellent golfing experience in a serene environment. Lastly, to balance your physical activities, consider holistic health services like those provided by Tift Regional Medical Center, offering comprehensive wellness programs. For a more active approach, Planet Fitness provides 24/7 access to fitness facilities and group classes.

Top sites in Americus, GA include Griffin Bell Golf Course and Conference Center, Rylander Theatre, and Rees Park.

Population: 16,688 (2021). Elevation: 398 ft (121 m). Area: 11.57 sq mi (29.96 km²). ZIP Code: 31709. Area code(s): 229.

FAQs

What is Americus, GA famous for?

Americus is rich in history and culture, offering a variety of social opportunities, including theaters, dining, sports activities, and churches. The town also prides itself on education, as it is home to two institutions of higher learning: Georgia Southwestern University and South Georgia Technical College. Americus is decorated with historical architectural design, rows of boutique shops, and unique restaurants featuring anything from five-star cuisine to fantastic home-cooked traditional Southern fare. It embraces the small-town vibe where friends and neighbors wave hello and traffic is unheard of.

What is the history of Americus, GA?

Americus, Georgia, (population 17,103) was incorporated in 1832 as the seat of Sumter County. The area along the banks of the Flint River had first been settled by the Creek Confederacy Chehaws, who established the location as a key trade center. Railroads first came through Americus in 1854, spurring its growth. Even during the tumultuous years of the Civil War in the 1860s, Americus flourished because of its cotton production and distance from the front lines.

Is Americus, GA a good place to live?

Americus is in Sumter County. Living in Americus offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents rent their homes. Many families and young professionals live in Americus and residents tend to be liberal.

Sources

City of Americus

Wikipedia

Niche

Achp

Explore Georgia

Griffin Bell Golf Course and Conference Center

Rylander Theatre

Rees Park

Phoebe Sumter Medical Center

Pure Tranquility Day Spa & Massage

Med Spa Of Americus

Stone River Spa LLC

Lake Blackshear Resort & Golf Club

Tift Regional Medical Center

Planet Fitness

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.