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Celebrating 250 Years of the American Spirit: The Finest Antiques, Art, & Collectibles from Sea to Shining Sea
The years 2025 and 2026 will be significant milestones for the United States. In 2025, we will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the “shot heard around the world,” marking the semiquincentennial of the American Revolution. The following year, 2026, will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. We are introducing a new feature to honor these momentous occasions that will showcase the finest antiques, art, and collectibles from all 50 states.
The state of Georgia embodies a perfect blend of old and new. From its deep Southern roots to its thriving modern cities like Atlanta, Savannah, and Athens, the state offers a unique blend of history and progress. Named for King George II, Georgia was the fourth of the original thirteen colonies to join the Union in 1788. As the “Province of Georgia,” it proudly claims its place among the thirteen colonies that signed the 1775 Declaration of Independence and fought for independence. The state’s history also includes secession in 1861, with major Civil War battles fought at Atlanta, Chickamauga, and Kennesaw Mountain before its eventual return to the Union in 1870.
With such a rich history, one can only imagine the antique treasures waiting to be discovered in Georgia.
Peaches, Peanuts, & Jimmy Carter
It is impossible to talk about Georgia without talking about some of its most famous sons and daughters, such as Jimmy Carter. James Earl Carter Jr., better known as simply Jimmy, was born in a hospital in 1924 in Plains, Georgia. While that may not seem so unusual today, he was the first American president born in a hospital (it helped that his mom was a registered nurse there).
Carter was always a good student and reader. He also enjoyed spending time outside on the farm, where he tended his own acre of peanuts. His naval career led him to run for state senator, governor, and, finally, president in 1976. His presidency is notable for pardoning Vietnam draft evaders, establishing the Department of Education, and the 1978 Camp David talks.
After Carter’s death on December 29, 2024, many remembered him for his steadfast convictions, morals, and humanitarian work. As expected after the death of any famous individual, the collectibles market exploded for any and all Jimmy Carter memorabilia, demonstrating how fondly he would be remembered as one of Georgia’s finest native sons.
Coca-Cola to Stone Mountain
Memorabilia connected to other famous folks and manufacturers native to Georgia is also popular. Collectors seek first-edition novels written by Savannah-bred Flannery O’Connor and Eatonton-born Alice Walker.
There must be something musical in Georgia’s water because of all the musicians hailing from the state, from the The B-52’s and Ray Charles to R.E.M. and Alan Jackson.
Georgia is a haven for Coca-Cola lovers as far as products and manufacturers go. You can tour the World of Coca-Cola in Atlanta and shop for vintage Coke trays, bottles, and advertising in virtually any Georgia antique mall.
Being a state full of history, it is also a terrific spot for both visiting Civil War battle sites and seeking out Civil War artifacts. Again, those vintage and antique malls are your go-to spots for these items.
Lastly, if you want to visit a true piece of “roadside America” in Georgia, be sure to visit Stone Mountain, the state’s #1 tourist attraction and home to the Confederate Memorial Carving, the largest bas-relief sculpture in the world.
Where to “Pick” in Georgia
If you are a reseller or simply a lover of all things antique and collectible, Georgia is an excellent state for hunting. With the relatively good weather year-round, be sure to check out the plentiful outdoor flea markets during the nicest months. Plenty of Georgia flea markets also have indoor components, like La Laquita Flea Market in Pendergrass and Smiley’s Flea Market in Macon. You may have to wade through a bit of junk to find the good stuff, but oftentimes, that’s what the hunt is all about.
A quick online search for local estate and yard sales is also an easy and fun way to find treasures. Yard sale season is hottest in late spring or early summer before it gets too hot, while estate sales run all year. Just be sure to frequent estate sales run by companies catering to resellers to get the lowest prices.
The city of Monroe, Georgia, touts itself as the “Antiques Capital of Georgia,” and the surrounding country of Monroe-Walton also boasts excellent vintage shopping. If you are a collector, this is a fabulous area to check out to seek items to complete your collection, as dealers will be careful to curate their spaces well.
Not only will you surely find some treasures, but Georgia will be on your mind for a long time!
Amy Moyer is the proprietor of Antmuffin: Art, Antiques & Collectibles. She holds a B.A. in Visual Art from Brown University and lives in Boston.
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