Not being a native-born Georgian, learning about the state and its history is something that is at the top of my bucket list. The history of Georgia goes back centuries as it is one of the original 13 colonies to be established in 1732. Georgia was a part of the Confederate States of America during the American Civil War, the home of Martin Luther King Jr., a well known place for the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960's and so much more. With all of that being said, please enjoy these 11 historical sites that we should all visit, native Georgian or not, to learn more about Georgia’s history and the beautiful state we are all living in.

1. Stone Mountain Park

Enjoy a one mile hike to the top of Stone Mountain, the Confederate Hall Historical and Environmental Education Center or a laser light show (on selected nights only), Stone Mountain Park has it all!

2. Center for Civil & Human Rights

Become inspired from learning about the encouraging and empowering conversations that are being had about human rights for all people in our communities.

3. Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park

Adventure through the park on the various hiking trails that take you to beautiful views and different parts of the battlefield to see how the Confederate soldiers fought, camped and survived during the American Civil War.

4. Jimmy Carter Presidential Library & Museum

Have you ever wanted an inside look at what a previous President’s life has been like? Then the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum is just for you! Not only will you learn about President Carter’s life during his presidency, you will also learn about what he is doing today and the incredible difference President Carter and Mrs. Carter are making on the world today. Oh, and don’t forget to check out the library and research center that are both filled with incredible books and papers from his presidency as well!

5. Etowah Indian Mounds Historic Site

Learn how the Native Americans lived while you visit the 54-acre site protecting six earthen mounds, a village site, borrow pits, a defensive ditch and a plaza. A museum is also present on the grounds which is home to hundreds of artifacts that show how skilled, efficient and hardworking the Native Americans without the modern technology we all have today.

6. Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site

Walk in the footsteps of the man who made a difference in the world of Civil Rights.

7. Dahlonega Gold Museum

Become a nugget for a day and learn how Dahlonega was actually the site of the first Gold Rush in 1829!

8. Pebble Hill Plantation

Learn how this land, that was once part of the Georgia Land Lottery in 1820, blossomed into the beautiful plantation and museum it is today, all thanks to Thomas Jefferson Johnson who decided it would be a good idea to keep the land in his family.

9. Cathedral of St. John the Baptist

Visit the historic Cathedral and its remarkable architecture as it shows off the faith and tradition behind beautiful Savannah and all it has to offer!

10. Historic Oakland Cemetary

Established in 1850, visit the place where some of Atlanta's first settlers are buried and enjoy the beautiful Atlanta skyline these people once helped to develop as well.

11. Centennial Olympic Park

Walk through the park that was dedicated to the 1996 Olympic Games held here in Atlanta, Georgia. Centennial Olympic Park could even be the venue for your upcoming birthday party or a fabulous place to say "I do!"