The largest state east of the Mississippi River, Georgia is blessed with mile-high mountains, a seashore of more than 100 miles along the Atlantic Ocean, sand clay plains and red Piedmont Hills. Rich in resources, character, and tradition Georgia and its 58,576 square miles is known as the Empire State of the South. Symbolic of this character and tradition is the city of Atlanta. Founded in 1837 as a site for the southwestern terminal of the Western and Atlantic Railroad, the city was first named Terminus. To honor the sitting governor, the name was changed to Marthasville, in tribute to his daughter. When it was discovered that the new name was too long to write on freight orders, the name was changed for the third and final time in 1847 to Atlanta.

Today, the city stands as the reigning leader in the developing new South. It supports a viable international economy along with its strongly diversified regional foundations in banking, real estate, transportation, medicine and manufacturing. The city also has emerged as a major convention paradise and a booming tourist destination that offers an exciting variety of world-class hotels, attractions, events and dining oasis. But Georgia is much more than just the big city. Recreational facilities abound throughout the state. Major man-made lakes, with hundreds of miles of shoreline, cover more than 300,000 acres. Eight major flood-control reservoirs, under control of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, cover 261,560 acres. Their byproducts provide areas for pleasure boating, fishing and swimming. The Fabulous Golden Isles, with their miles of sandy white beaches, adorn Georgia's coast, offering year-round golfing and fishing.

Deep in South Georgia, near Waycross, is the Okefenokee Swamp, an unconquered 660 square miles of federal preserve where wildlife and natural beauty are protected for public enjoyment. Savannah, hostess city of the South, was one of the first planned cities in North America. It gains much of its charm from its cobble-stoned river front section, broad avenues and many oak-shaded squares. The first settlement in Georgia was started in Savannah in 1733 when General James Edward Oglethorpe and a band of English settlers sailed into Savannah harbor. Savannah's famed Bull Street is one of the classic Avenues of America. In the Pine Mountain area of Georgia are Franklin D. Roosevelt's Little White House in Warm Springs and Callaway Gardens, which includes 11 lakes, and features water skiing, golfing, fishing and a unique country store.

Georgia has 63 state parks and historic sites. Most of Georgia's state parks, which are located within easy driving distance of every major population area of the state, offer tenting accommodations and nearly one-third of the state parks feature cottages for rent. The Georgia Historical Commission has set up 15 shrines to perpetuate Georgians' interest in their own history.

From a tiny hamlet of 50 people in 1940, Warner Robins has evolved into Georgia's tenth largest city with a population of almost 50,000, according to the 2000 U.S. Census. Warner Robins takes great pride in the diversity and harmony of its people. Citizens from all 50 states and several foreign countries and all walks of life combine their talents. The end result is a community that is both progressive and spirited.

Located in Houston (pronounced house-ton) County, Warner Robins is easily accessible by both Interstates 75 and 16, giving the city major transportation patterns in every direction. A moderate climate produces an average winter temperature of 50.2 degrees, while the summer average is 82.4 degrees. The last freeze is usually about March 15, and the first freeze of autumn takes place around Nov. 15. Average annual rainfall measures 44.7 inches. Warner Robins is 365 feet above sea level.

With more than 140 civic and service organizations and more than 70 churches, residents have the opportunity to quickly become involved in community activities. Also, there are outlets for people with theater, art and musical interests.

The Houston Medical Center is a modern health-care facility with a 180-bed capacity and the most up-to-date equipment. More than 100 physicians and dentists cater to the health-care needs of the community. Additionally, there are several fine nursing homes for the elderly in the city. An active Community Crisis Center serves as a source of information, counseling, and referral to those in need.

Education is a top priority in Warner Robins. All schools are fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Instructors cater to students with special needs, and there is an exclusive program for gifted children.

In Warner Robins, Middle Georgia Technical Institute opened a branch in 1974 to serve as a manpower-training center for high school students and adults desiring to upgrade their job skills. Registration is required at the beginning of each quarter for a variety of courses in business, health and technical occupations. Macon State College's Warner Robins Campus is located off Watson Boulevard, across from City Hall and just a half mile from the main gate at Robins Air Force Base. At the Warner Robins Campus, Macon State offers the entire core curriculum of the University System of Georgia as well as the bachelor of science degree in Information Technology and courses leading to the bachelor of science degree in Business. Also, since 1970 the College has been helping military and civilian personnel at Robins AFB meet their higher education goals through the University System of Georgia's Robins Resident Center on base.