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City of Milledgeville GA

Milledgeville , GA zip code 31061 is a town that some say is haunted by the ghosts of its past. The town of Milledgeville was the antebellum capital of Georgia from 1804-1868. At that time, the slave trade and explosive growth of cotton production were the predominant industries in the area, and Georgia was the leader in textile manufacturing as a result of these factors. With the onset of the Civil War, the South held tightly to its position in favor of slavery, despite the Presidentâ€™s attempts at abolishing it. Milledgeville was instrumental in Georgia's succession from the Union in 1861, after the Presidentâ€™s inauguration. This small town, located one hundred miles to the Southeast of the current State Capital of Atlanta, is now considered to be the single remaining surviving example of a Federal Period city.

Despite its controversial past, or perhaps because of it, these lush tree lined streets exude a quality of romantic pride that can still be found here in the Deep South. The thick, sweet scent of magnolia perfumes the air, and for those who have eyes to see it, the shadows of Milledgevilleâ€™s history reflect the determination, passion and ferocity inherent within Americas most turbulent period of political and structural upheaval.

Milledgeville , Georgia , with a population hovering just above nineteen thousand, encompasses a twenty mile stretch of land uniquely situated in the red clay hills along the banks of the stunning Oconee River. Milledgeville is famous for notable residents, who are regarded as the most prolific American writers in history. Many tourists and fans of the famous writerâ€™s work come to Milledgeville to get a glimpse of the sprawling residence where she penned most of her incredible stories and books, as well as pay respects to her at the local cemetery, which is her final resting place. A graduate of the local University, she is considered a prominent figure in Milledgeville to this day.

Visitors to the area can enjoy any number of historical and natural attractions during their stay. One such attraction is the old State Capital building. Built in 1807, this gorgeous mansion is considered to be the very first public building in the United States that was constructed in the Gothic style of architecture. With its incredible cathedral style windows and marble spires reaching for the heavens, this building offers breathtaking photo opportunities at every turn.

Another remarkable mansion in Milledgeville , Georgia is the old Governors Mansion, which was built in 1839. The stunning design and High Greek Revival style architecture lends to the imposing, yet beautiful demeanor of the building, which still serves as residence for Georgia's chief executives to this day. The entryway is flanked by massive stone columns, and the interior has been magnificently restored to its antebellum glory, showcasing a grand interior dome that wows visitors, and period furnishings that must be worth a fortune in themselves.

Not far from the Governors mansion is yet another of Georgia's claim to fame, though slightly more disturbing in nature than the glorious mansions. The first insane asylum in the the state of Georgia has its roots in Milledgeville , and it is still in use today, housing between 800 and 850 patients. During the 1960s the hospital was home to almost twelve thousand patients, granting it the title of the largest mental institution in the world, at that time. It is said to have had more residents than the town of Milledgeville , itself. The crude and sometimes barbaric practices of the day still reverberate out into the museum space that is now on property at the facility, where curious tourists can get a glimpse of yellowed straitjackets, glistening lobotomy probes and sinister looking electric shock machines.

One of the best ways for visitors to enjoy the historical scenery and significance of Milledgeville , zip code 31061 , is by trolley. Guided trolley tours are offered regularly, and it is an entertaining and informative way to see and hear all about the towns colorful past. In the fall, the trolley tour takes a decidedly dark turn as Halloween approaches, with focusing on the malicious and baleful underbelly of the towns less than pleasant history, and pointing out several areas in town that are said to be haunted. For those who are more adventurous, When Halloween draws near, a frightful twilight walking tour takes unsuspecting guests inside of the haunted mansions, through the spirit laden cemetery and perhaps face to face with a former resident long since crossed over, if you are unlucky.

As Christmas approaches, visitors receive a rare and beauteous experience as the stately Governors mansion is transformed into a wonderland of authentic antebellum holiday decor. The festivities carry on into the cold nights, with candlelight walking tours throughout the decorated rooms of the mansion and melodious choirs singing praises to the spirit of the season.

If expertly constructed man made mansions and buildings are the heart of historic Milledgeville , GA , zip code 31061 , then Mother Nature is its soul. Milledgeville is blessed with wondrous natural treasures that captivate and inspire residents and visitors, alike. Lake Sinclair, a sprawling expanse of water, encompasses over fifteen thousand acres of cool, sparkling substance. This place is a very popular draw for fishing enthusiasts, as well as for the fishing tournaments that are regularly held here. Just about any kind of water activity imaginable is available to residents of Milledgeville . This includes kayaking, skiing, and boating as well as swimming, canoeing and small watercraft. There are jet ski and kayak rentals available, and plenty of launching areas and marinas to accommodate boats of all sizes.

The water of Lake Sinclair was voted to be the cleanest in the State of Georgia in recent years, and with more than 500 miles of shoreline running along this mammoth watering hole, camping enthusiasts are never lacking in places to set up camp and enjoy the serenity of nature. There are picnic areas, hiking trails and unsupervised beaches that also add to the appeal. When Milledgeville residents go outside to play, this azure oasis is one of their major destinations.

The lake is certainly not the only natural wonder in zip code 31061 . Residents of Milledgeville also have a forest in their backyard. Over two thousand acres of natural growth forest enhances the beauty of the Milledgeville area. Though timber production and management is still a thriving industry in the area, some proceeds of the timber production go back into the maintenance and replanting of trees that are harvested and the upkeep of the land, as well. Not all areas of the forest are for use in the production of timber, however, parts of the forest are designated natural wildlife refuge areas, and are not interfered with in any way.

To provide a safe haven for native animals to grow and thrive, the State of Georgia has decreed that hunting is not permitted anywhere in the Bartram Forest in Milledgeville , GA . This is a rare occurrence, as hunting is a very popular past time in the region. Visitors may not be allowed to hunt in the forest, but they can certainly explore, hike and otherwise reconnect with nature in ways that only natural, uninhibited growth can foster. A beautiful stone labyrinth has been constructed within the forest, and it serves as a meditative, peaceful spot for visitors to stop and embrace the throb of life that binds all creatures together on this planet.

On the South side of Milledgeville there exists a lovely arboretum which is home to well over three thousand plants from all over the world. The arboretum serves as a living classroom, promoting environmental education and awareness amongst the residents here, both large and small. There are established hiking and driving trails that wind in and through the area, and greenhouses that grow desert and tropical plants that residents might not see otherwise in the region.

In addition, there are ponds, woods, streams and creeks, all ideal for exploring and learning about geology, life sciences and wildlife. With so much outdoor extravagance to keep residents of Milledgeville busy during the mild spring and summer months, working up an appetite is not hard to do, nor is it hard to remedy.

Milledgeville boasts dining establishments of all varieties. Hungry residents can chow down on just about any type of food that their growling stomach desires, like tangy barbecue, spicy Mexican, or casual family buffet style dining. Fried green tomatoes can be found on some of the more interesting menus, and is a favorite among locals and college students in the area.

The small downtown area is a lively place to go to enjoy a game of pool, a night out singing karaoke or dancing to club music with the college crowd.

There are cute cafes, bustling coffee shops, art galleries showcasing local and international works and unique shopping experiences to be had within the shaded tree lined roads. In Milledgeville , where the southern delights are many, it does not take long to find yourself relaxing with a glass of ices tea and chatting with friendly passers by. the natural flow of the town envelops people who come, to learn or to play, to visit or to stay. Wrapped in historic packaging, unwrapping the gifts that Milledgeville , GA , zip code 31061 has to offer is a delight no matter who you are or where you are from.