Welcome to Americus, GA
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 adjacent to 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.
Discover the world of Habitat for Humanity at the Global Village & Discovery Center. Learn about the devastating effects of poverty everywhere. See life-size Habitat houses from countries around the world. Experience God’s love at work through Habitat volunteers and partner families across the globe. Discover the world of Habitat for Humanity at the outdoor, six-acre, educational Global Village & Discovery Center at Habitat’s headquarters in Americus, Georgia. Walk through an example of poverty housing. See 15 replica Habitat houses from countries around the world; houses built on stilts, as in Papua New Guinea; houses built of fieldstone, as in Kenya; houses built of hand-made blocks as in Sri Lanka. Learn about the devastating effects of poverty and the inspirational work of Habitat volunteers and partner families everywhere.