Georgia Local Business Directory

The fourth state to ratify the U.S. Constitution and the last of the original 13 colonies, Georgia has had a colorful history since its earliest days. The state is bordered on the east by the Atlantic Ocean and contains a segment of the Appalachian Mountains in its northwest corner; coastal plains and mountains comprise much of the remainder of the state's geology. Palmetto and cypress trees are common in the southern part of the state; pines and red cedar trees are more frequently seen in the mountainous regions of Georgia. Like Florida, its neighbor to the south, Georgia's climate is predominantly tropical and humid.

The original residents of Georgia were the Mound Builders; ruins of their structures can be seen throughout the plains areas of Georgia. Later settled by the Cherokee, Georgia was first colonized by the British in 1733. The Spanish invaded in 1742, but the English regained control soon afterward and maintained sovereignty until the American Revolutionary War. The Georgia Gold Rush began in 1829 and led directly to the expulsion of the Cherokee Indians and their tragic journey on the Trail of Tears.

Today, Georgia's economy is largely driven by industries located in Atlanta, its largest city. Among the corporations that call Georgia home are such illustrious names as Home Depot, Coca-Cola, UPS, Delta Airlines and SunTrust Banks. Agriculture continues to be an important element in the state's economy, and military bases provide employment opportunities for many residents of Georgia.