Facts About Macon GA

History:
Macon was founded in 1823 on the banks of the Ocmulgee River, growing out of the 1806 frontier Fort Hawkins. The fort was established as an official U.S. Army Fort and Indian Factory for trading and meeting with Native Americans under Indian Agent Col. Benjamin Hawkins, and the city was named for a beloved North Carolinian statesman, Nathaniel Macon.

Prior to Fort Hawkins' establishment, the earliest European contact was in 1540 when Hernando DeSoto came through the area. North America's first Christian baptism was recorded when priests in DeSoto's band baptized two Indian boys in the Ocmulgee River near what is now Carolyn Crayton Park. However, Native Americans had inhabited the area for as many as 10,000 years before that as evidenced by the discovery of clovis points at the archaeologically significant Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park.

Union General George Stoneman came close to Macon, but the city was defended three times before surrendering at the close of the Civil War, preserving its neighborhoods of classic Greek revival and Victorian-style homes. Today, Macon is a city of diverse cultures, beautiful architecture, an exciting music heritage and thriving arts and educational opportunities.

Local Industry:
Manufacturing, aeronautics, medical and tourism are the leading employers in Macon. Surrounding areas thrive on agriculture and Macon's State Farmers Market offers the best peaches, peanuts, pecans and vegetables in Middle Georgia.

Location & Transportation: 
Transportation: Macon is located 1.25 hours south of Atlanta at the crossroads of two major interstate highways, I-75 (north-south) and I-16 (east-west), making it easily accessible by car. Distance from some major cities:

Middle Georgia Regional Airport:
Middle Georgia Regional Airport is located 10 miles from downtown Macon, this airport offers regular commuter flights to/from Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson Airport. A variety of rental car agencies, cab and limousine services are available to serve travelers.

Macon Downtown Airport:
Located about 5 miles from downtown Macon, this airport is designed to accommodate private planes and offers no commercial service.

Transportation to Atlanta/Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport:
Groome Transportation, located near I-75 and area hotels, offers hourly service daily to/from Hartsfield.