Augusta, Georgia, located in the central part of the state, is about 150 miles from the large city of Atlanta and is located close to the Interstate 20 highway. The Savannah River flows at the edge of this great city and is a popular spot for many boating and fishing enthusiasts.
Augusta's current population is around 200,000, making it a smaller city with as much growth and development as the larger cities in the area. Along with several other Georgia and South Carolina communities, the region is known by locals and governments as the Central Savannah River Area. The region is commonly referred to as the CSRA, and there are approximately half a million people of all sorts living in this beautiful region, from teachers to retired Cabbagetown real estate agents. Augusta is Georgia's second oldest as well as its second largest city, and it was founded during the British colonial period to serve as a trading outpost.
The rich history of this region dates back to the early 1700s and was home to many indigenous tribes of American Indians, and their roots are still intact today with many representatives of all of the different tribes' descendants still residing in the area. Augusta also boasts the one and only structure that was ever built by the Confederate States of America; the old Confederate Powderworks, which still stands today intact with its original compression lugs, bricks and mortar. Many people make the trip to see this landmark each year and witness a piece of history in their own town.
When the Augusta Canal was built in 1847, the city became an integral part of the cotton market, and the second largest inland production site in the entire world. The canal functions today as a main artery for shipping, both dealing in imports and exports, as well as being used for many other goods and services. Although the cotton boom of the 19th century has long passed, this industry still thrives today and employs thousands of people. Yet this is only one of the many sectors of thriving industry in this historic city.
Augusta is perhaps best known around the globe as the home of the popular Masters Golf Tournament, which is held the first week in April each year. This tournament not only brings world-class golfers and fans to the city, but thousands of tourism dollars as well. The area's businesses always see a huge rise in profits during the month of April and every retailer, restaurateur and lemonade stand benefits from this event, which brings thousands of people to the city each year to cheer on their favorite golfers. The area is also an important center for medicine, retail, the military and a diverse manufacturing industry, producing everything from automotive parts to fabricated strainers.
The retail industry in Augusta is enormous, and it is one of the most profitable sectors in the city's economy. The Augusta Exchange Shopping Center is conveniently located close to the major highways and is also accessible by city transit. This shopping center is hugely popular and is home to such mainstays as Borders Books & Music, Target, Sports Authority, Best Buy, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Office Depot, David's Bridal, Circuit City, Old Navy, and Goody's to name a select few. There are also several specialty shops, cafes and fabulous restaurants situated throughout the mall. Every type of shopper from PCB designers to house wives are bound to find whatever they need at this great shopping complex.
Whether it is high-end retail or sheet metal crimper manufacturing, Augusta shows no signs of slowing down in the development and improvement of each of the industries that have been thriving in this Georgian city for decades.
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