History of Augusta, Georgia in Timeline

Augusta, Georgia, is a city located on the eastern border of the state, serving as the county seat of Richmond County. Positioned on the Savannah River, opposite North Augusta, South Carolina, it marks the head of the river's navigable section. As the third most populous city in Georgia, Augusta is located within the Fall Line region.

1916: Augusta Fire of 1916

In 1916, a devastating fire damaged 25 blocks of Augusta's downtown, destroying many historically significant buildings.

1970: Charles Oatman Killing and Subsequent Riot

In 1970, Charles Oatman was killed in an Augusta jail, leading to a riot during which six Black men were killed by police. James Brown was called in to help quell tensions.

1970: Last Seaboard Coast Line Train

The last Seaboard Coast Line train, a Florence-Augusta section of the Champion, ended its service in 1970.

February 1973: Heaviest Recorded Snowfall

In February 1973, Augusta experienced its heaviest recorded snowfall with 14.0 inches (36 cm).

May 6, 1983: Last Georgia Railroad Train

On May 6, 1983, the last train to Augusta, the Georgia Railroad train between Atlanta and Augusta, ran as a mixed train.

August 21, 1983: Record High Temperature

On August 21, 1983, Augusta recorded its extreme high temperature of 108 °F (42 °C).

January 21, 1985: Record Low Temperature

On January 21, 1985, Augusta recorded its extreme low temperature of −1 °F (−18 °C).

1988: Augusta GreenJackets formed as the Augusta Pirates

In 1988, the Augusta GreenJackets minor league baseball club began to play as the Augusta Pirates, affiliated with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

1993: Hyde Park EPA Investigation

In 1993, an area known as Hyde Park in Augusta was investigated by the EPA for contamination, with air, groundwater, and soil believed to be contaminated. Residents questioned the health risks of the chemicals found.

1995: Consolidation Referendum

In 1995, a referendum was held in Augusta and Richmond County regarding consolidation of the two jurisdictions. The process of consolidation began in 1995.

1995: Augusta-Richmond County Consolidation Vote

In 1995, citizens of Augusta and unincorporated parts of Richmond County voted to consolidate their city and county governments.

January 1, 1996: Augusta-Richmond County Merger Takes Effect

On January 1, 1996, the merger of Augusta and Richmond County took effect, excluding Hephzibah and Blythe.

July 1, 1996: Augusta-Richmond County Consolidation Completed

On July 1, 1996, the consolidation between the city of Augusta and Richmond County was completed, excluding the municipalities of Blythe and Hephzibah.

1998: Augusta Lynx Established

In 1998, the Augusta Lynx, a minor-league professional ice hockey team, began playing their home games at the James Brown Arena.

1999: Augusta Stallions Founded

In 1999, the Augusta Stallions, a professional Arena football team, was founded.

2000: Racial and Ethnic Composition in 2000

In 2000, Augusta's racial and ethnic composition was 43.72% non-Hispanic white, 49.96% African American, and other groups making up the remainder.

2000: Inaugural AF2 Season

In 2000, the Augusta Stallions were one of the 15 original teams to join the inaugural AF2 season.

2000: 2000 United States Census

In 2000, the United States census recorded Augusta's population as 195,182.

2001: Stallions Switch to Southeast Division

In 2001, the Augusta Stallions switched to the Southeast Division.

2002: Stallions Fold

In 2002, the Augusta Stallions folded.

2004: Augusta Downtown Historic District Listed on National Register

In 2004, the Augusta Downtown Historic District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

2006: The Medical Examiner Newspaper Published

Since 2006, Augusta's medical community and patient population has been served by The Medical Examiner, a twice-monthly newspaper.

August 10, 2007: Record High Temperature

On August 10, 2007, Augusta matched its extreme high temperature of 108 °F (42 °C).

2008: Augusta Lynx Disbanded

In 2008, the Augusta Lynx minor-league professional ice hockey team ceased operations.

2008: Soul City Sirens Founded

In 2008, the Soul City Sirens, an all-female flat track roller derby team in Augusta, was founded.

2010: 2010 U.S. Census

During the 2010 U.S. census, the city's population was 195,844.

2010: Augusta RiverHawks Established

In 2010, the Augusta RiverHawks, a professional minor league ice hockey team, began playing in the Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL).

2013: Augusta RiverHawks Cease Operations

In 2013, the Augusta RiverHawks professional minor league ice hockey team ceased operations.

2016: Last Augusta Southern Nationals Drag Boat Race

In 2016, Augusta hosted the last Augusta Southern Nationals drag boat Race on the Savannah River after 30 consecutive years.

2016: National Cyber Security Headquarters Announcement

In 2016, the new National Cyber Security Headquarters was announced to be based in Augusta.

2017: Augusta 706ers Founded

In 2017, the Augusta 706ers, a minor league professional basketball team in the American Basketball Association, were founded.

December 2018: Augusta 706ers Operations Ceased

In December 2018, the Augusta 706ers stopped operations due to a lack of funds.

2020: Racial and Ethnic Composition in 2020

By the 2020 census, Augusta's racial and ethnic makeup was 35.52% non-Hispanic white, 55.19% African American, and other groups, reflecting greater diversification.

2020: Augusta Population Statistics

In 2020, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, Augusta had a population of 202,081, excluding Blythe and Hephzibah. The Augusta metro area had a population of 611,000, making it the second-largest in Georgia.

2020: 2020 United States Census

In 2020, the United States census recorded Augusta's population as 202,081 people, residing in 66,838 households, and 41,517 families.

May 2024: Referendum Approves Mayor's Voting Power

In May 2024, Augusta voters approved a referendum giving the mayor full voting powers on the Augusta Commission by 74%.

February 2025: Metro Area Unemployment Rate

As of February 2025, the metro area unemployment rate is 4.5%, slightly above the national average.

2026: Richmond County School System Reorganization Plan

In 2026, the Richmond County School System Board of Education approved a districtwide reorganization plan including school replacements, consolidations, and closures, as well as converting T.W. Josey Comprehensive High School into a career academy.