Welcome to my UNIV 1120 Web Page!
*This is the famous University of Georgia Bulldog Mascot*
Thanks for visiting my web page. My name is Amanda Bryant, and I am a sophomore Middle School Education major at the University of Georgia. Since moving to Athens, I have fallen in love with this town! For this project, I wanted to share a little bit of the rich history of the awesome city of Athens. Much could be said about the rich history of Athens, but since space and time are limited, I will try to sum it all up in a nutshell. Hope you enjoy!!!
*UGA's Old College as it appeared around 1806*
*The concept of the city of Athens basically began with the creation of the University of Georgia. The University of Georgia became the first chartered state-supported university in the nation on January 27, 1785. However, the idea of the University remained just that--an idea--until about sixteen years later. In 1801, John Milledge purchased 663 acres of property on the hill about Cedar Shoals and the Oconee River to become the site for the University of Georgia. This site was specifically chosen because of its location 200 miles from any major cities. The main reason for doing this was to "foster an environment that supported academic pursuits." Milledge named the land Athens, "in honor of the Greek city that was the center of culture and learning during ancient times."
*Franklin House as it appeared in 1845*
The city of Athens was officially incorporated in December 1806. The city continued to grow, and after the Civil War ended in 1865, Athens became an important educational center for freed slaves. Athens was officially chartered as a city on August 24, 1872. Captain Henry Beusse became Athen's first mayor. As Athens grew, so did it's transporation system and economy, among other areas. From about 1923 to 1950, Athens was a major player in the cotton industry. In fact, Athens was the second largest cotton manufacturing city in the state of Georgia.
*The 40 Watt in downtown Athens*
You can't summarize the history of Athens without talking about the amazing music scene in the city. Today, clubs such as the 40 Watt and the Georgia Theater host numerous musicians and bands. Athens began to become very prominent in the music scene beginning in the late 1970s. Successful bands such as R.E.M. and the B-52s are proud to have their musical origins in Athens. On April 18, 1998, Athens sponsored the largest CD release party in history. Widspread Panic, another great band from Athens, gave a free concert for nearly 100,000 fans!
*Downtown Athens as it appears today*
Athens has definitely grew tremendously since it's concept started with the charter of the University of Georgia in 1785. Athens is a city with such a fascinating history that this website can just barely scratch the surface. One website best sums up Athens as it is in the present and how it's rich history complements the city: "Today Athens-Clarke County serves as the shopping, medical, professional, and educational center for Northeast Georgia. Over 80,000 residents (including over 30,000 University students) call Clarke County home. The University remains a great influence on lifestyle, tempo, and outlook; but the benefits of diversity, history, and real-world enterprise also permeate. While retaining the charm and pace of a traditional Southern town, Georgia's "Classic City" is moving rapidly to meet the challenges of the next century."
For more information on the city of Athens, check out these websites:
1. http://www.visitathensga.com/about_athens.cfm : This website has some very reliable in information about Athens. It includes a virtual tour of Athens, information about visiting Athens, current weather conditions, and much more. I would particularly suggest visiting the Athens Trivia section of the site. This has some very interesting, but true, fun facts all about Athens!
2. http://www.uga.edu/: This is the official website for the University of Georgia. Since Athens basically grew around UGA, this website is of great use for anyone who wants to know more about Athens. This website is very reliable, and the information is very organized and easy to follow.
Sources used for my research on the history of Athens:
Books
Boney, F.N. A Pictorial History of the University of Georgia. Athens: University of Georgia Press, 1984.
Newspaper Articles
Ernest C. Hynds, "University Spawns Athens, Clarke County," Athens Banner-Herald, 17 June 2001.
Websites
City of Athens History. Athens Clarke County Government. 22 April 2003. <http://www.athensclarkecounty.com/history/athens.htm>
All About Athens. Athens Convention and Visitors Bureau. 22 April 2003. <http://www.visitathensga.com/about_athens.cfm>
Athens, Georgia. Home Page. 22 April 2003. <http://www.cathiechasman.com/historyA.html>
If you would like more information about Athens, or if you just want to e-mail me, that's cool! You can click on my name, Amanda Bryant, and you will be taken to my e-mail address. Just in case that doesn't work, my e-mail address is mandy5@arches.uga.edu!
Hope you enjoyed my website!