Visit Historic Macon Georgia on the Antebellum Trail: Highlights and Top Hotels

Macon, Georgia is at the southern end of the Antebellum Trail. The trail is a string of towns, about 100 miles in length, that retain the historic charm of the period before the Civil War. Antebellum literally means "before the war." During the war between the states most of the great southern mansions and buildings were destroyed. Drive along the trail, which is east of Atlanta, and see the beauty of the old south.

Macon was founded in 1823, growing out of the 1807 Fort Benjamin Hawkins. During the Civil War, the Union Army came close to Macon, but the city was defended three times before surrendering at the close of the war. Classic Greek Revival and Victorian style homes were preserved, to be enjoyed by future generations.

Architecture and Historic Sites

Macon is a distinctive destination, with 5,500 individual structures in 11 historic districts that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Historic districts include Cherokee Heights, East Macon, Fort Hill, Macon Historic District, North Highlands, Railroad Industrial District, Shirley Hills, Tindall Heights, Vineville and Cherokee Brick.

Some of notable historic attractions include Cannonball House, Hay House, Sidney Lanier Cottage, Ocmulgee National Monument and Rose Hill Cemetery.

Annual Events and Festivals

Festival lovers should plan to visit during one of the many annual celebrations in Macon. Annual events includes the International Cherry Blossom Festival, Tour de Georgia, Georgia Music Week, Macon Gardens, Mansions & Moonlight, African Festival, Ocmulgee Indian Celebration and Georgia State Fair.

Every March, a ten day festival celebrates the beauty of 300,000 flowering cherry trees in Macon, the "Cherry Blossom Capital of the World." The festival event includes amusement rides, music, gala ball, street party, fireworks and more.

The Ocmulgee Indian Celebration is held every September at the Ocmulgee National Monument.

Top Hotels in Macon, Georgia