|
Americus-Sumter County is
located two and a half hours south of Atlanta via US Highway 19,
the Magnolia Highway.
While agriculture has long been the driving force of the
county’s economy, Sumter County’s historical past is
attracting tourists. Tourism
is the newest industry in the area. The Americus-Sumter Tourism Welcome Center is located in the
historic Windsor Hotel.
Renewed interest in life during
the turn of the century draws people to historic landmarks like
the Rylander Theatre, circa 1921; the Windsor Hotel, circa 1892;
and Habitat for Humanity located in the restored Rylander
Building, circa 1916. Historic
downtown Americus has retained most of its original structures and
leaders are impassioned regarding restoration.
Andersonville displays its
treasure of an intact Civil War Village across the highway from
the Civil War prison of Andersonville.
The latest addition to the National Historic Site is the
National Prisoner of War Museum which opened in April 1998.
Plains attracts admirers of the
39th President, Jimmy Carter.
Structures associated with Carter’s life and political
career have been restored and maintained by the National Park
Service, including Plains High School, the Train Depot (his
political campaign headquarters), and now the boyhood farm.
Americus-Sumter County Tourism Council, Inc.
Mission
The mission of the
Americus-Sumter County Tourism Council, Inc. is:
. . . to promote and develop the
Sumter County region as a tourist destination for individual
visitors and groups;
. . . to create and foster a
local awareness of the benefits of tourism;
. . . to position the
Americus-Sumter community in the marketplace as a primary
overnight destination thereby:
. . . creating and maintaining jobs
. . . building a broader tax base
. . . stimulating economic development |
