May 2025 BeLocal Augusta by The N2 Company

AUGUSTA

Photo by Miss Kat Capone

IMPORTANT NUMBERS

AUGUSTA-RICHMOND COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT

Information ............................................... (706) 821-1000

Dispatch (706) 821-1080

Emergency 911

AUGUSTA-RICHMOND COUNTY FIRE

Department............................................... (706) 821-2909

Emergency Management (706) 821-1155

LOCAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES

Augusta-Richmond County

Tax Assessor’s Office ................................. (706) 821-2310

Water & Sewage (706) 821-1851

COLUMBIA COUNTY OFFICES

Columbia County Sheriff ............................ (706) 541-2800

Columbia County Fire Dept. (706) 863-7745

Fire Marshal (706) 868-3420

columbiacountyga.gov

GENERAL INFORMATION

DMV Columbia Co.

630 Ronald Reagan Dr Building C, Evans, GA 30809

Motor Vehicle Tags –

Augusta-Richmond County (706) 821-2476

Chamber of Commerce (706) 821-1300

Driver’s License –

Augusta-Richmond County.......................... (706) 771-7815

Library ...................................................... (706) 821-2600

National Poison Control Center (800) 222-1222

Post Office (706) 823-3113

Georgia Road Conditions ............................................. 511

Senior Services Center ............................... (706) 772-5456

Social Security Administration ....................(877) 616-2523

Voters Registration Office (706) 821-2340

AREA DIRECTOR

Jason Neely

706-432-1669

Jason.neely@n2co.com

WELCOME TO

AUGUSTA GEORGIA

“THE GARDEN CITY” ALSO KNOWN AS “CYBER CITY”

Whether you moved from across state, across the county or overseas, Augusta Georgia welcomes you! It can take some time to be known as a local, and that is exactly why BeLocal Augusta is here as your personal guide. Whether a sunny day hiking the trails along the canal or the Savannah River or digging into our local history, Art, and Entertainment, this area has endless opportunities to get outside with our friendly community. This is a personal guide to the local eateries, libations, shops, historic destinations, and tips from the locals themselves!

With BeLocal Augusta, it is our goal to make the move-in process more welcoming. You’ll soon become part of all the hidden gems that the community has to offer. Enjoying wine, bourbon, a good cigar, or some amazing food at some our local restaurants or roof top bars. There are treasures everywhere. So we hope this makes

it easier to build bridges with your new friends, neighbors, and local shop employees. Through this guide we wish that you meet all the people and places that you will come to love.

You’ll want to keep this guide right on your coffee table as you will only receive it once when you move in. BeLocal Augusta can also be found on Instagram and Facebook. Following these social-media platforms will allow you to view weekly updates in the area as well as more tips from the locals and our sponsors.

Augusta and the surrounding area is a quaint, fast growing and convenient town that allow opportunities to anyone who steps foot here. We genuinely appreciate all the beauty of this place and its people. Welcome to the south... Welcome home!

JASON NEELY Owner/Publisher

706.432.1669

jason.neely@n2co.com

PHINIZY SWAMP NATURE PARK

Just minutes from downtown Augusta, the 1,150-acre Phinizy Swamp Nature Park offers you the chance to see great blue heron, red-shouldered hawk, river otter, and the elusive alligator in their natural setting. Hear the chorus of a thousand tree frogs, delight in the iridescence of summer dragonflies, and view the splendor of natural wetlands. The park is free and open to the public 365 days a year from dawn until dusk.

PATRIOTS PARK

Patriots Park supports many different sports including basketball, football, soccer, baseball, softball, tennis, disc golf, volleyball, and racquet ball. It is the home to the Columbia County Recreational Department and has recreational teams in soccer, baseball, softball and football. There is an 18 hole disc golf course that circles around the park and goes through the woods.[5] It was created in 1999, and is free to play along with many of the other facilities. To use the gym, you have to have a membership. The soccer, football, baseball, and softball fields are used for youth recreational sports[6] Patriots Park has been home to five Dixie World Series in youth baseball and softball, and the World Series for the Dixie Fast Pitch Ponytails and Bells.[7] Annually, the park is used to host a firework show on the Fourth of July, or around the Fourth of July for Independence Day. It is the largest firework show in Columbia County

DONKEY

THE FISHING AND WILDLIFE IS AMAZING ON THE SAVANNAH RIVER, CLARKS HILL LAKE / LAKE THURMOND, AND SURROUNDING AREAS.

For Remodeling Excellence

Photo by Greig McCully

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DOC’S PORCHSIDE

(762) 257-6760 // docsporchside.com

3035 Washington Rd, Augusta

Check out live entertainment!

SALT + MARROW

(803) 349-8401 // crownenorthaugusta.com/salt-and-marrow 1060 Center St, North Augusta, SC

RAES COASTAL CAFE

(706) 738-1313 // raescoastalcafe.com

3208 W Wimbledon Dr, Augusta

This hidden gem is a Father and Son, Jamaican restaurant that has been an Augusta local favroite since 1992. Embracing the beauty of nature, Raes Coastal Cafe has a tropical island vibe with lots of life inside and out. Their menu features a fresh catch of the day each day, as well as true caribbean dishes made with jerk seasoning and more. With weekly events, such as Key Lime Martin night, Wine Wednesdays, Margarita nights, and more, there’s always a reason to visit Raes Coastal Cafe.

SENOR MEZCAL KITCHEN & CANTINA (706) 922-0190 // facebook.com/SenorMezcal/ 4534 Washington Rd # 9, Evans

FROG HALLOW TAVERN

(706) 364-6906 // froghollowtavern.com

1282 Broad St, Augusta

Known as the New American Tavern, Frog Hallow prides themselves on using local and regionally grown quality ingredients in their “Farm to Table” menu and letting the freshness of the menu speak for itself. Enjoy over a hundred value driven wines in this “Resturaunt meets Bar” space inspired by Chef Sean A. Wights vision for a stylish dining and social club atmosphere. They also offers a wide variety of Cognacs, Scotches, Vodkas, Whiskey Barrel Aged Cocktails, Bourbons, as well as both classic and seasonal cocktails, all made with fresh squeezed juices, and homemade mixes.

TRATTORIA POLIPO

3629 Walton Way Ext,.Augusta (706) 305 - 9677

In Italy, a Trattoria is a local bar and restaurant with comfort food. Nothing fancy, just plates full of unpretentious food and friendly service. Italy’s stamp repeats in Kevin’s passport for good reason. Homemade pasta, mozzarella, ricotta, fresh baked bread and desserts bringing people together to share stories and life. Polipo is different. Just like Kevin. This is more than a space to eat, it’s where rustic food translates into a real sense of place. Kind of like breaking bread at Kevin’s house...

OLIVIANA’S RISTORANTE

(706) 723-1242 // olivianaitaliano.com

399 Highland Ave, Augusta

Driven by hospitality and passion, Oliviana’s is a Rustic Italian inspired and chef driven restaurant that strives to offer a relaxed bistro experience with personalized hospitality to each guest. This is a place where friends and family can come together, enjoy live music, dance, try new things, and enjoy fresh, exquisite chef inspired dishes. They also feature a wide variety of wine, bourbons and housemade cocktails.

PIZZA JOINT 1245 Broad St, Augusta (706) 774-0037

4301 Washington Road, Evans (706) 447-4992

MARCO’S PIZZA (706) 396-5800 // marcos.com 5142 Washington Rd, Evans

NACHO MAMA’S (706) 724-0501 // nachomamasaugusta.com 976 Broad St, Augusta

FROG AND THE HEN

(706) 755-2767 // frogandthehen.com

466 Flowing Wells Rd #4, Augusta

Happily serving all-natural, hormone-free, and antibiotic-free chicken paired with seasonal, organic side dishes, Frog and The Hen is committed to supporting small farmers and providing their guests with healthy dining options, even if it means it costs a little extra. As another visionary restaurant by Chef Sean A. Wight and the Frog Hollow Hospitality Group, they’re dedicated to sourcing the best “farm to table” quality ingredients. Partnered with Buona Caffe, they have the finest locally roasted coffee the Augusta River Region has to offer.

CRAFT & VINE

(706) 496-8442 // craftandvine.com

1204b Broad Street, Augusta

A spot with a modern, speak-easy feel, Craft & Vine is sure to impress. Like their name implies, everything they serve, from their wood fired pizza to their diverse menu of craft cocktails, is handcrafted with care. They’re also known for their gourmet small plates and collection of 32 different elegant bottled wines.

BODEGA ULTIMA

(706) 426-6661 // bodegaultima.com

353 Highland Ave, Augusta

Taking inspiration from wine cellars in Spain, corner stores in New York City, and cafes in Italy, father and son duo, Kevin and Cary Goldsmith, wanted to create a spot where people could swing in for their morning coffee, drop by after work for a cold drink, or maybe even hang out all day- “where familiar faces are as much a fixture as the busy espresso machine.”

Bodega Ultima’s food takes inspiration from culinary trends of the Mediterranean with a dash of Indian techniques mixed in. In their market, guests will find that it is stocked with carefully selected wines, olive oil, coffee, teas, and cured meats from all around the world.

EDGAR’S ABOVE BROAD (762) 320-4320 // edgarsabovebroad.com

699 Broad St Suite 300, Augusta

With the roof top dining experience, their bocce ball court, and regularly hosted trivia nights, karaoke nights, and live music, Edgar’s Abve Broad is guaranteed to be a great time spent on the town. Their unique breakfast and lunch menu consists of small dishes and cocktails that are all made with fresh and locally sourced ingredients, and their tapas menu changes with every passing season.

ABEL BROWN SOUTHERN KITCHEN AND OYSTER BAR (706) 738-6491 // abelbrownaugusta.com

Surrey Center, 491 Highland Ave

Located in the Surrey Center of Augusta, Abel Brown celebrates blended cultural roots and the charm of tradition by serving authentic Southern dishes using ingredients from local and regional farmers, oystermen, and producers. Abel Brown is a romantic choice for any evening, providing guests with an extensive menu of deserts, spirits, and soulfood in a refined and comfortable atmosphere.

8595 RESTARAUNT AND BAR (706) 737-8888 // opentable.com/r/8595-restaurant-and-bar-augusta 2110 Walton Way, Augusta

While visiting the historic Partridge Inn, be sure to check out 8595 Restaraunt and Bar to experience a “modern twist on Southern cuisine.” Pairing bold flavors and complex textures, their menu has flavors that are sure to stand out in a crowd. They’re known best for their “Best of Augusta” Brunch on Sundays, served from 11am to 2pm.

BEAMIES AT THE RIVER (706) 724-6593 // beamiesattheriver.com

865 Reynolds St, Augusta

Fitting right into their waterside location, Beamies at the River has a fix for any and every seafood craving. From shrimp and oysters, to snow crab and flounder, they have it all. Guests rave about their hush puppies and exotic drink options, making them a great outing for any occasion.

West Lake Country Club

3556 W Lake Drive, Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 863-4640 westlakecountryclub.com

Eisenhower Lakes Golf Club 537 North Range Road, Fort Eisenhower, GA 30905 (706) 791-2433 eisenhower.armymwr.com/ programs/eisenhower-lakes

The River Golf Club

307 Riverside Boulevard, North Augusta, SC 29841 (803) 202-0110 rivergolfclub.com

Bartram Golf Course

470 Bartram Trail Club Drive, Evans, GA 30809 (706) 210-4681 bartramtrailgolfclub.org

Champions Retreat Golf Course

37 Champions Parkway, Evans, GA 30809 (706) 854-6960 championsretreat.net

Belle Meade Country Club

2660 Twin Pine Road, Thomson, GA 30824 (706) 595-4511 bellemeadecc.com

Wedges & Woods

3731 Wrightsboro Road, Augusta, GA 30909 (706) 854-0360 wedgesandwoods.com

Sage Valley Golf Course

2240 Sage Valley Drive, Graniteville, SC 29829 (803) 663-0900

sagevalleygolf.com

THE

HOTEL: BON AIR

BON AIR

SPAWNING GROUNDS OF THE AUGUSTA NATIONAL GOLF CLUB

The Bon Air Hotel towering on the Hill overlooking Augusta was the spawning ground for golf and the Augusta National Golf Club. The Bon Air was the largest of the grand hotels in Augusta. It began as a dream of Dr. William H. Tutt (1823-1898), a community leader who had made his fortune selling patented medicines such as Tutt’s Liver Pills and Tutt’s Golden Eagle Bitters.

Jones served as legal counsel for the Bon Air-Vanderbilt Hotel while developing the Augusta National. When the golf course was officially opened with formal ceremonies on December 24, 1932, the majority of the invited dignitaries and guests stayed at the Bon Air Vanderbilt Hotel. The first Masters Golf Tournament, at that time known as the Augusta National Invitation Tournament, was held in March 1934. Five years later, the tournament officially became known as the Masters.

The hotel’s success, however, diminished over the years with the development of Florida as the new winter travel destination. The Bon Air was purchased by the Sheraton Corporation in 1945 but subsequently declared bankruptcy and closed its doors on September 27, 1960. For a short time thereafter, the Bon Air was turned into a retirement community. Today, apartments at the Bon Air provide federally subsidized housing for seniors and disabled people.

including American novelist and author of The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald; founder of the Standard Oil Company, John D. Rockefeller; U.S. president and subsequent Supreme Court Chief Justice, William H. Taft; U.S. president Warren G. Harding; British Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill; Judge Kennesaw Mountain Landis, the first commissioner of Major League baseball; Canadian Prime Minister Robert Borden; Nobel Prize winner Nicholas Murray Butler; and Harvey Samuel Firestone, the founder of the Firestone Tire & Rubber Co.

cup joe

UBORA COFFEE

ROASTERS AUGUSTA 1128 Jones St, Augusta, GA 30901 (706) 432-8571 uboracoffee.com

BODEGA ULTIMA

353 Highland Ave, Augusta, GA 30904 (706) 426-6661 bodegaultima.com

GOAT KICK COFFEE CO.EVANS TOWNE CENTER SHOP

Located behind the Columbia County Performing Arts Center.

Drive-thru and sit-down seating indoors and outside. 935 Ronald Reagan Dr Suite 101 Evans, GA 30809

GOAT KICK COFFEE CO.

106 N Belair Rd, Evans, GA 30809 (706) 799-3994 goatkickcoffee.square.site

RELIC COFFEE COMPANY

1504 Monte Sano Ave, Augusta, GA 30904 (706) 447-9914 .caferelic.com

TRELLIS COFFEE BAR

1902 Walton Way, Augusta, GA 30904 (706) 496-7035 trelliscoffeebar.com

NEW MOON CAFE

JB White’s Building storefront 936 Broad St, Augusta, GA 30901 (706) 823-2008 newmoondowntown.com

CAFE DULCE

3118 Washington Rd, Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 305-1385 cafedulce.org

INNER BEAN

139 Davis Rd, Suite C, Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-3752 innerbeancafe.com

7 BREW COFFEE

2915 Peach Orchard Rd, Augusta, GA 30906 (762) 800-9145 7brew.com

THE BISTRO 1350 Walton Way, Augusta, GA 30901 (706) 288-3057

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So You Just Closed On Your New Home... Now What?

TELL EVERYONE YOUR NEW ADDRESS.

Of course, people want to tell all of their friends and family when they just bought a home, especially firsttime homebuyers. But make sure you also contact all of your creditors and all other companies you receive mail from to update your address. You should also submit a change of address form to the post office so that all your mail will get forwarded to your new address.

GET A PROFESSIONAL DEEP CLEAN.

While many homes may look pretty clean, you can’t really be sure just by looking. It’s a good idea to idea a professional cleaning service to do a deep cleaning before you start moving your stuff in. It’s much easier and cheaper for cleaning to be done.

CHANGE THE LOCKS, AND REPROGRAM YOUR GARAGE DOORS.

Unless you’re buying a brand-new home from a builder, you need to have the locks changed. You don’t know who all has a key to your home, and that can be scary. Get your garage doors reprogrammed so they only work with the remotes you have. It’s possible someone out there got their hands on an extra garage remote at some point.

SET UP UTILITIES, CABLE AND INTERNET.

If you haven’t already, set up your cable and internet to transfer to your new home. Another option to consider is “cutting the cord”… No, this doesn’t mean living without WiFi or TV!. You will also need to contact the local water, electric and gas companies to have services turned on or transferred to your name.

SET UP YOUR HOME SECURITY SYSTEM.

Most homes these days come with a security system installed. However, it will not be active when you move in. You’ll need to contact a home security company to come out and get you set up.

MEET YOUR NEIGHBORS.

It’s always good to get out and meet your neighbors. See who has kids your age, get inside information on the “hood” and make some friends. Your neighbors can also recommend great local services. They have lots of information on your new community and can also be a friendly extra set of eyes to on your house when you are away! Bonus!

WINDOW TREATMENTS.

7 8 9 10

More than likely your home did not come equipped with window treatments. For your privacy and to keep your neighbors from seeing something they shouldn’t, we suggest contacting an interior designer or blinds company to help you cover your windows in style.

UNDERSTAND HOW THE SOUTHERN CLIMATE CAN IMPACT YOUR YARD.

If you are new to Augusta, GA and the south, it’s important to understand how our overall climate affect many things. From sprinkler blowouts in the fall, to which plants thrive (or don’t survive), there are some great resources to learn more about how to use the Colorado sun and soil to your advantage. Visit local favorite, Bedford Greenhouses; their experts will be more than happy to help.

MAKE YOUR HOUSE FEEL LIKE A HOME.

This is your chance to create the space that personifies you! Bright, white kitchen? Cool slate showers? A custom barn door? What have you recently seen on Pinterest or Fixer Upper reruns that gets your blood pumping? Making a house your home is gratifying and fun! For a great locally owned and highly recommended shops, Augusta Renovations / Fireside Kitchens & Grills (indoor & outdoor)

CAPITALIZE ON THE AUGUSTA, GA LIFESTYLE.

There are so many opportunities to enjoy the gorgeous scenery of Georgia & South Carolina. Of course World Famous Golf here in Augusta, Ga This is an amazing location as we are 2 hours from anything you can imagine. From Mountains and skiing, local famous lakes, Kayaking, fishing, East coast beaches, to live entertainment and dog parks, we have it all! You don’t have to be an avid sportsperson to enjoy the area, but we highly encourage you to get outside to enjoy Georgia’s great weather, outdoor activities and beautiful scenery. Here is an awesome website to take in all there is to offer in our great state (exploregeorgia.org).

Sources: https://www.exploregeorgia.org/list

When the boxes are unpacked, or stashed in the attic (again)…. After the cabinets are organized, when we have all learned where the silverware now resides, we can turn our attention to the things that really make for a blessed life - our new garden.

That’s right. Our new outdoor living room. We really have no months during which it is intolerable to be outdoors here in the Garden City. We can live at least part of our lives in the environment we were designed to enjoy. Just take a little time to see what you have inherited.

Welcome to your new home! There are old things trying to find new places, there are things that may not yet have places and there are places that may not yet have things. What a wonderful opportunity we have, we have a new piece of the Earth to call “home.”

Your new home came furnished, I expect. There can be things that you KNOW just have to go; “period pieces” that did not age well, volunteer species (known in some circles as “weed trees”), overgrown or oddly-placed plants might all be on that list. But there may be some things with which you are as yet unfamiliar.

I have seen botanical jewels cast out as costume jewelry, only to have their place taken by ignoble rabble. The peddlers of plant material are often quite anxious to erase the

evidence of past civilizations in order to install their version of suburban American “curb appeal.” This one-size-fits-all approach has transformed character-rich and charming areas of older neighborhoods into bland conformity.

There is no one right answer for every property any more than there is one perfect vacation for every person. Live with your new place at least long enough to get to know it. See what you have. Some things may even be dormant when you move in, like Spring bulbs or Summer perennials. Give your new place a little time to reveal itself.

You have a wonderful opportunity to make something new, or possibly refresh something not so new. There are people who can help identify things and have ideas about making the outdoors a living space and not just “the yard.”

Welcome to your new home. Welcome to the Garden City, if you’re new to the area. Enjoy the pos sibilities and don’t be anxious friends. Just remember your new “trash day” is….

WE TRANSFORM BUSINESSES

WORSHIP

143 Ministries International Inc. 2801 Ingleside Drive, Augusta, GA 30909 (800) 560-7143 143ministries.org

Abundant Life Worship Center 2070 Brown Road, Hepzibah, GA 30815 (7006) 592-9221

Catholic Stewardship Consultants, Inc. 4325 Washington Road, Evans, GA 30809 (706) 922-3701 catholicsteward.com

Church of The Good Shepherd 2230 Walton Way, Augusta, GA 30904 (706) 738-3386 goodshepherd-augusta.og

Journey Community Church 4798 Hardy Mcmanus Road, Evans, GA 30809 (706) 364-1454 journeycommunity.net

Marvin United Methodist Church 4400 Wheeler Road, Martinez, GA 30907 (706) 863-0510 marvinchurch.com

Moses Missionary Baptist Church 112 Walker Street, Augusta, GA 30901 (706) 724-9502 mosesaugusta.com

New Direction Christian Center

811 Long Cane Ridge, Evans, GA 30809 (706) 524-5238 newdirectionga.org

New Life Church

250 Bobby Jones Expressway, Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 738-2526 newlifeeveryday.com

Oasis Church at Hephzibah 2228 Georgia 88, Hephzibah, GA 30815 (706) 592-2904 myoasis.tv

Saint Paul’s Church 605 Reynolds Street, Augusta, GA 30901 (706) 724-2485 saintpauls.org

The Sanctuary of Augusta, Inc. 4584 Cox Road, Evans, GA 30809 (706) 364-8284 mysanctuary.org

St. Andrew Presbyterian Church 3551 Wheeler Road, Augusta, GA 30909 (706) 736-4575 standrewpc.com

St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church

4921 Columbia Road, Grovetown, GA 30813 (706) 863-4956 st-teresa.com

Stevens Creek Church

600 Stevens Creek Road, Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 863-7002 stevenscreekchurch.com

Stevens Creek ChurchGrovetown Campus 5050 High Meadows Drive, Grovetown, GA 30813 (706) 863-7002 stevenscreekchurch.com

Stevens Creek ChurchSouth Augusta Campus 3358 Peach Orchard Road, Augusta, GA 30906 (706) 863-7002 stevenscreekchurch.com

The Mosaic Center, Inc. 478 Columbia Industrial Boulevard, Evans, GA 30809 (706) 233-8050 themosaiccenterevans.org

West Acres Baptist Church 555 Gibbs Road, Evans, GA 30809 (706) 860-6573 westacres.org

Whole Life Ministries 2621 Washington Road, Augusta, GA 30904 (706) 737-4530 wholelife.org

LAND AUGUSTA BROTHERS WRIGHTTHE IN

After three years of experimentation, the Wright Brothers, Orville (1871-1948) and Wilbur (1867-1912), made history at Kitty Hawk on North Carolina’s Outer Banks when they successfully flew the first power-driven, heavier-than-air plane, earning credit for inventing and flying the world’s first successful airplane. The Wright Brothers’ revolutionary breakthrough began the Aerial Age.

Successfully obtaining a patent, the Wright Brothers began manufacturing their Model B planes. The world embraced the airplane, and aviation quickly became entertainment for the wealthy. Of course, to sell the Model B, the Wright Brothers also had to train owners on how to operate their brand-new plane.

The Wright Brothers initially sold and trained new Model B owners at Huffman Prairie Flying Field near their hometown of Dayton, Ohio. The airplane, however, was in such demand, the Wright Brothers had to expand their operations. In 1910, the Wright Brothers began looking for a site to locate a new aviation and training school. They quickly found a site in Montgomery, AL, but they needed one on the East Coast.

Dr. Robert A. Mullins, Associate Professor, East Georgia State College – Augusta

Frank Coffyn (1878-1960), a native of Charleston, SC, and a member of the Wright Brothers’ Exhibition Team, was tasked with finding a suitable site. In late December 1910, after visiting several potential sites, Coffyn arrived in Augusta to evaluate its location for the aviation school. Coffyn was heartily greeted by Augusta’s mayor, Thomas Barrett (1861-1929), and the newly formed “1920 Club.”

A month earlier, Mayor Barrett, known as the “Father of Modern Augusta,” had proclaimed his vision of advancing Augusta and its progressive growth as a renowned winter tourist destination through the formation of a civic group known as the “1920 Club.” Inviting all Augustans to participate, the club was quickly incorporated. Its membership included a virtual “who’s who” list of prominent Augustans.

Mayor Barrett and the 1920 Club acted swiftly to secure the Wright Brothers Aviation School in Augusta. Coffyn was led to a plateau above the terminus of the Monte Sano streetcar line and Monte Sano Park. Declaring it an ideal spot, Coffyn was sold on the location.

After Col. Daniel B. Dyer (1852-1912) agreed to donate the necessary land, an agreement was secured between the 1920 Club and the Wright Brothers to locate their new aviation facility in Augusta. According to The Augusta Chronicle, the agreement was reached on Dec. 31, 1910. The aviation field would later develop into today’s Daniel Field Airport.

The Wright Brothers’ aviation facility opened in January 1911, with two aircraft and several instructors. Led by Frank Coffyn, the facility quickly began training new owners on how to fly their Model B airplanes. People came from around the country to purchase and learn how to fly. Instructors at the facility also staged flying exhibitions during the winter months for the amusement of Augustans and its winter tourists.

Due largely to the success of the new aviation facility and recommendation of Wilbur Wright, Augusta additionally secured a winter flight school for the U.S. Army Aeronautic Reserves, located near Sand Bar Ferry Road.

Although neither facility would operate very long, the impact on Augusta was tremendous. The progressive city became known as an innovative pioneering city for aviation, and its reputation as a winter tourist colony continued to flourish.

As a fascinating footnote, my third great uncle, Micajah Clark Dyer (1822-1891), invented a spring-loaded, propeller-driven flying machine that pre-dated the Wright Brothers by over 15 years. Using a rail-like ramp he built on a mountainside in Choestoe, GA, he flew his plane with foot controls and a steering device. After his death, Dyer’s “aeroplane” machine was sold to the Redwine brothers of Atlanta. Legend suggests that the Redwine brothers subsequently sold the design to the Wright Brothers.

FURNITURE - CUSTOM

CSCM Furniture & Decor (706) 631-6688

280 S. Belaire Rd. suite 8 Martinez, GA 30907 cscmfurniture.com

GOLD, SILVER & COINS

Augusta Coin Exchange (706) 210-5486

4015 Washington Road, Suite L STE L

Martinez, GA 30907 www.augustacoinexchange.com

GUNS & AMMO

Southeastern Armory (706) 733-4090

2745 Washington Rd. Augusta, GA 30909 southeasternarmory.com

HOME IMPROVEMENT & DESIGN EXPERTS

Augusta Remodeling (706) 863-9895