From African American history, Civil Rights history, Presidential history and so much more, Americus and Sumter County is a must visit destination for history buffs
AMERICUS, GEORGIA—MARCH 2025—Located in west-central Georgia, convenient to I-75, three hours south of Atlanta and just two hours north of I-10, Americus and Sumter County is an area full of history—including African American history, Civil Rights history, Presidential history and so much more. From one of the most pivotal Civil Rights marches and Koinonia Farms to President Jimmy Carter’s legacy, Americus and Sumter County is a must visit destination for history enthusiasts.
Before the Civil Rights and Supreme Court action changed race relations in the United States, Americus and the state of Georgia operated as a separate but equal society. Rev. Clarence Jordan fought that edict by establishing Koinonia Farm, located just outside Americus. The name Koinonia Farm is Greek for commune or community, mentioned in the Bible as a place for Christians to share their resources in unity. Blacks and whites lived and have worked the farm since its inception in 1942 and suffered violence because of their positions on non-violence and equality, including supporting and housing Civil Rights members. One of Koinonia’s members, Millard Fuller, went on to establish Habitat for Humanity International. Today, visitors may tour the farm, join members for lunch or purchase items from the gift shop. Koinonia is also known for its pecans, chocolates, dessert breads and cakes. Koinonia Farms, 1324 Georgia Highway 49 South, Americus, Georgia 31719; 229-924-0391
At the turn of the 20th century, African American residents of Americus were not allowed in the local hospital. A “Colored Hospital” was built in 1923 to not only serve them but train African American doctors. In 2019, the Americus-Sumter County Movement Remembered Committee received the first of two grants from the National Park Service to rehabilitate and preserve the Historic Americus Colored Hospital Building. Upon complete rehabilitation of the building, it will become the Americus-Sumter County Civil Rights and Cultural Center. The Center will house and display documentation of the history of the Americus Colored Hospital and the Americus-Sumter County Civil Rights Movement. The collection will include photographs, letters, affidavits from jailed local activists, newspaper and magazine articles, memorabilia and field reports from civil rights workers representing the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee, the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and the Congress of Racial Equality. The center’s archives will also focus on the enormous role and contributions of African American families throughout Sumter County prior to and during the Americus Movement. Some of these materials will be prominently displayed for viewing in a spacious Permanent Collection Gallery within the facility, while others may be accessed online. An additional gallery will support temporary traveling exhibitions on loan from other institutions and provide a space for the work of local, regional and national artists. Stay tuned to VisitAmericusGA.com for more information on the project’s progress.
Plains, Georgia, is no doubt synonymous with Former President Jimmy Carter. Visitors to Plains are delighted to explore this quiet, peaceful rural town that had so much influence on the molding of Former President Carter’s character and the shaping of his political policies. The Southern culture of Plains revolves around farming, church and school, which is evident from the very moment one arrives. No visit to Plains is complete without stopping at the Jimmy Carter National Historical Park, which includes several sites within the Park. Explore the Plains High School Visitor Center, where Jimmy and Rosalynn both attended and graduated high school; Jimmy Carter’s Boyhood Home and Farm, where visitors can witness first-hand the timeless charm of farm life and the enduring connection to Jimmy Carter’s roots; the Plains Train Depot, a self-guided museum offering visitors an opportunity to explore the life and political career of Jimmy Carter; and the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Burial Site. For more information on planning a visit to the Jimmy Carter National Historical Park, click here.
If you go
Whether you are headed to the area for a long weekend or just passing through, Americus and the surrounding area is home to many great lodging options. Visitors love the Presidential ties to Plains Historic Inn & Antiques. Former President Jimmy Carter and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter led the charge along with their hometown in developing a historic inn and antiques mall, located on Main Street in Plains, Georgia. Guests are invited to step back in time and enjoy the accommodations of one of seven period suites, authentically furnished from the 1920s to 1980s. Every room has a history lesson! Plains Historic Inn & Antiques, 106 Main Street, Plains, Georgia, 31780; 229-824-4517.
Located in the heart of downtown Americus, the Historic Windsor Hotel was built in 1892, to attract winter visitors from the north. The Windsor was a 100-room, five-story Victorian masterpiece architecturally designed with a tower and turret, balconies and a three story open atrium lobby. The hotel occupies nearly an entire city block and was the site of numerous balls and celebrations over many decades and after more than 80 years in operation, the hotel closed its doors in 1974. In 1991, the hotel re-opened after a $6.5 million dollar renovation.Historic Windsor Hotel, 125 West Lamar Street, Americus, Georgia, 31709; 229-924-1555.
History buffs will love the Americus Garden Inn. This historic bed and breakfast was built before the Civil War in 1847 and is situated on Rees Park within Americus’ beautiful residential historic district and among many fine homes of the Victorian era. The Americus Garden Inn Bed and Breakfast offers seven spacious comfortable air-conditioned rooms, in-room private baths and several guest amenities.Americus Garden Inn, 504 Rees Park, Americus, Georgia, 31709; 229-931-0122
For more on Americus and Sumter County, visit VisitAmericusGA.com/welcome-to-americus/.