Augusta

Augusta is a city in eastern Georgia, United States, situated along the Savannah River opposite North Augusta, South Carolina. It is the principal city of the Augusta metropolitan area and serves as a regional center for healthcare, education, government services, and military activity.

The city's origins extend to the 18th century, when European settlers moved into the area. It was named for Princess Augusta of Saxe-Gotha, wife of King George II, and developed as a river port and trading center along the Savannah River. Before European arrival, the region was inhabited by Indigenous peoples. Over the 19th and 20th centuries, Augusta grew as a commercial and cultural hub in the region.

Augusta hosts several major institutions, including Augusta University, which encompasses the Medical College of Georgia, and Fort Gordon, a significant U.S. Army installation located nearby. The economy is broadly based on health care, education, military presence, and government services, with manufacturing contributing as well.

A defining feature of Augusta is the Masters Tournament, one of golf’s four major championships, held annually at the private Augusta National Golf Club since 1934. The event draws international attention and has a substantial cultural and economic impact on the city. Augusta also offers a riverfront park system, museums, and cultural venues that reflect its long-standing role as a regional center in Georgia.