Georgia State Day, Motto, and Nickname

STATE DAY February 12 (Georgia Day) STATUS Official DATE OF ADMISSION TO UNITED STATES January 2, 1788 RANKING IN STATE ADMISSION 4th FORMER DESIGNATIONS Province of Georgia HISTORY Prior to the Revolutionary War, Georgia was home to a large group of individuals loyal to Britain. But by 1775, with increasing tensions between the crown and the merchants of Georgia, support for the revolution had gained strength. In 1776 Georgia declared itself a free state, and in 1777 a constitution was adopted, although Georgia remained occupied by British troops and would until Augusta was recaptured in 1782. A state government was reestablished that year. Georgia was one of the 13 original colonies whose representatives were involved in the framing and signing of the U.S. Constitution in 1785. Georgia Day recognizes the founding of the original Province of Georgia in 1773. MOTTO "Wisdom, Justice, and Moderation" NICKNAMES "The Peach State," "Empire State of the South," "Yankee-land of the South," "The Goober State," "The Buzzard State" Georgia’s nickname "The Peach State" is a reflection of its success in producing high-quality peaches in great quantities. Peaches are one of the main economic staples of the state. "Empire State of the South" refers to the number of Southern industrial and economic leaders that have come from Georgia. "Yankee-land of the South" is a possible derogatory name referring to Georgia’s determination to become a leader in industrial and economic issues. "The Goober State" derives from the nickname for a peanut, another important crop. "The Buzzard State" refers to the large numbers of buzzards found in the state and the laws protecting them there.  -World Trade Press