Things to do in Ashburn
Cordele, A Main Street City
Visit this historic city that once served as the State Capital in the latter days of the Civil War. Maps for self-guided walking tours are available at the Main Street Office located in City Hall. A walking tour of the historic downtown area of Cordele is sponsored by Cordele Main Street Association to encourage the revitalization of our downtown area, they have also implemented special promotions to encourage shoppers to shop downtown. Call (912) 273-3102 for more information.
501 North 7th St., Cordele, GA 31015
Crime and Punishment Museum
Built in 1908, the Turner County Jail is on the National Register of Historic Places. Because of its Romanesque style, the inmates named it the "Castle Turner". The original jail cells remain up stairs, along with the death cell, hanging hook and trap door, where 2 men were hung for the crime of murder. Call (800) 471-9696 for more information.
241 East College Avenue, Ashburn, GA
Georgia Agrirama
Agrirama's Museum of Agriculture & Historic Village is the state's official agriculture and living history museum. The Agrirama Village consists of four separate areas: traditional farm community of the 1870's, progressive farmstead of the 1880's, industrial site complex, and rural town. The historic site has more than 35 buildings - everything from a train depot to the home of Tifton's founder - that have been relocated to the museum. A railroad track with a 100 year old steam engine train circles the site. Other site attractions include authentic farmhouses, a one-room school, water-powered grist mill, sawmill, print shop with an operating flat-iron press, turpentine still, cooper's shed, blacksmith shop, feed and seed store, and a drug store with original marble-top soda fountain. The newest additions to the Agrirama include a 28,000 square foot Museum of Agriculture which houses 9,000 square feet of exhibit space, a Conference Center, and a new Country Store. Call (229) 386-3344 for more information.
1392 Whiddon Mill Rd., Tifton, GA 31793
Georgia Veterans Memorial State Park
Established as a memorial to U.S. veterans, this park features a museum with aircraft, armored vehicles, uniforms, weapons, medals and other items from the Revolutionary War through the Gulf War. The SAM Shortline Excursion Train runs through the park on its way from Cordele to Plains, allowing riders to see an antique telephone museum, Habitat for Humanity's Global Village, President Jimmy Carter's boyhood farm and other attractions. An 18-hole golf course and pro shop, along with 8,600-acre Lake Blackshear, make this one of Georgia's most popular state parks. Call (229) 276-2371 for more information.
2459-A Hwy. 280 W., Cordele, GA 31015
Jefferson Davis Memorial State Historic Site
When Confederate President Jefferson Davis and a few remaining staff members crossed the Savannah River into Georgia on May 3, 1865, they were headed for the Western theater of war where Davis planned to unite rebel forces and continue fighting for the lost cause. On May 9, 1865, they camped in this pine forest, not knowing that pursuit was so close behind. At dawn, they were surrounded by two independent groups of Union cavalry who were unaware of each others presence. Gunfire ensued until the federal forces realized they had been shooting at one another. Two Union cavalrymen died during the skirmish. Davis was taken prisoner and held in Virginia for two years until released. Today, a monument marks the spot where he was arrested. Visitors can tour the 13-acre historic site that includes a museum, short trail, a gift shop, picnic tables and a group shelter. Call (229) 831-2335 for more information.
338 Jeff Davis Park Rd., Irwinville, GA 31760