City history
Exploring the historical evolution and chronological milestones of Augusta, Georgia, from its founding on the Savannah River to its modern development.
Chapter one
Earliest documented name
"Named after Princess Augusta of Saxe-Gotha"
While the region was historically inhabited by Muscogee peoples, no specific indigenous name for the city site is reliably documented. The city was formally established in 1785 by Colonel Edward Telfair on the Savannah River.
Named in honor of Princess Augusta of Saxe-Gotha
The city was named in honor of Princess Augusta of Saxe-Gotha, following the naming conventions of the era by the settlement's founders.
Chapter two
As part of the national shift to standardized timekeeping, Augusta transitioned from local solar time to the Eastern Time zone to coordinate railway schedules.
Following federal guidelines, Augusta adopted daylight saving time to extend evening light, a practice that became standardized for the region during the mid-twentieth century.
Chapter three
Colonel Edward Telfair founded the city in 1785, establishing it as a major center for trade along the Savannah River in the newly formed United States.
Construction began on the Augusta Canal, a massive engineering project designed to harness water power for the city's growing industrial sector and mills.
Following the conclusion of the American Civil War, Augusta entered a period of significant economic and social reconstruction within the state of Georgia.
The city experienced major industrial expansion and updates to its canal system, facilitating further growth in manufacturing and local commerce.
Augusta became a focal point for the Civil Rights Movement, witnessing transformative social changes and legal battles for equality within the community.