Columbus, GA Tourist Attractions
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In the far west of Georgia, on the Chattahoochee River, is the town of Columbus (pop. 170,000), with its well restored and refurbished Historic District. During the Civil War it was an important supply base. Features of interest are the Confederate Naval Museum; the Columbus Museum; and the National Infantry Museum in Fort Benning, outside the town.
Callaway Gardens
North of Columbus, on Pine Mountain, is a popular leisure center established by the industrialist Cason Callaway, with artificial lakes, gardens of magnolias and azaleas, and a butterfly house.Callaway Gardens has two excellent golf courses.
Smith-McCullers House Museum
The childhood home of Carson McCullers is now the Smith-McCullers House Museum. The family lived in the house from 1925 until 1944. Carson McCullers work consisted of five novels, two plays, twenty short stories, over two dozen nonfiction pieces, a book of children's verse, a small number of poems, and an unfinished autobiography.The Carson McCullers Center for Writers and Musicians is dedicated to her legacy as well as nurturing American writers and musicians.
Springer Opera House
The Springer Opera House was built in 1871 and considered one of the finest opera houses in the United States. During the Great Depression it was turned into a movie theater and eventually fell into a state of disrepair. Restoration of the building began in the mid 1960s and it was opened as a performing arts center.Today the theater is a working theater with two main stages.
National Infantry Museum
The National Infantry Museum was established at Fort Benning in honor of infantryman. This 190,000 square foot facility highlights the history of infantrymen dating back to 1807. On display are weapons, uniforms, footwear, mess equipment, fine oil paintings, firearms, bronzes, helmets, vehicles and other related items.
Rankin House
The Rankin House in Columbus is an 1860s Italianate-style mansion. It was built by architect Lawrence Wimberly for James A. Rankin. He was born in Scotland and returned to his home country following the Civil War, leaving the house to his daughter. The house is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Columbus Museum
The Columbus Museum is the second largest in Georgia. It features American art from the 18th century to contemporary, as well as American Indian artifacts and American decorative arts.
Port Columbus Civil War Naval Center
The Port Columbus Civil War Naval Center has a museum that features displays on the Civil War related to naval operations. Various artifacts and ship models, as well as portions of the CSS Jackson and CSS Chattahoochee are on display.
Surroundings
There are several towns and attractions in the area surrounding Columbus which can be easily visited on a day trip including Fort Benning and Warm Springs.
Habitat for Humanity International Tour Center & Museum, Americus
The Habitat for Humanity Organization has an International Village which features different types of housing from around the world. The visitor center also features the history and achievements of the organization.
LaGrange Art Museum (formerly Chattahoochee Valley Art Museum), LaGrange
The Chattahoochee Valley Art Association Museum in downtown LaGrange is a visual arts center. It is housed in the 1892 Troup County Jail and features changing exhibitions with an emphasis on Georgia artists.
Troup County Archives
The Troup County Archives in LaGrange preserves historical documents and records for Troup County.
Chipley Historical Center, Pine Mountain
The Chipley Historical Center is located in the former Chipley/Pine Mountain City Hall which was built in 1906. The museum features photographs, documents, and artifacts pertaining to local history.
Little White House State Historic Site, Warm Springs
Little White House State Historic Site features a house built by Franklin Delano Roosevelt in 1932. It is now a memorial shrine that displays his life and his role in history.
Jimmy Carter National Historic Site, Plains
The Jimmy Carter National Historic Site in Plains in southwest Georgia includes the Carter's home and Jimmy Carter's boyhood home and farm.
