Even before Hernando de Soto explored where the present-day Macon was located in 1540, the town has already been inhabited. The Moundbuilders and the Hitchiti were among the pioneer settlers in the “Fall Line.” They were regarded by Dr. Henry Woodward, an English explorer as the “Ochese Creek.” A few years later, the English traders established a post, which resulted in the increase of English settlement in the city.
The settlers get frequent intimidation from the Cherokee and Creek Indians, as well as the Spanish and the French. It went on until 1703 after the Spanish were drove away from Central Georgia. During this time, the Spanish miners were the only ones who would pass the community to go to goldfields along the Chattahoochee River.
A group of Georgia Guard and James Oglethorpe crossed the ancient mounds, called the Ocmulgee Old Fields, in 1739. Some of the first records of the Ocmulgee Old Fields were written by one of the guards.
Repeated relinquishment of the Creek Nation was led by the westward push of the community until it became a territory of the United States. Fort Hawkins was formed in honor of Benjamin Hawkins. Settlers in Fort Hawkins relocated into Newtown.
The Georgia legislature founded the Bibb County in 1822. In 1833, Macon was organized throughout the Ocmulgee community, starting from Fort Hawkins. The city was named after Nathaniel Macon, Speaker of the House and Senate President. He is well-regarded and loved by residents of the state because of his state’s rights ideals.
In 1845, the Central Railroad that runs from Savannah to Macon was constructed. It connected the region’s agricultural produce to the ports for transportation. The kazoo was initially presented at the Georgia State Fair in 1852. Macon came in last during the referendum determining the capital city of Georgia.
Macon operated as the hospital for distressed allies and a prison for Union soldiers during the Civil War. In 1864, General George Stoneman led an attack to Macon, known as “The Stoneman raid.” The troops led by Howell Cobb fought off the attack. With General James H. Wilson leading the troops, the city was seized, at the conclusion of the Civil War.
To expand a city, power is imperative. Thus, Lake Jackson was established in 1910. The creation of Camp Wheeler commenced in 1917. It played a pivotal role in preparing men that will fight off in World War I. Eighteen months later; Camp Wheeler was demolished.
Macon experienced rapid growth after World War I. Black families living in rural central Georgia felt secured during that time. The Huff Daland Dusters operated in the city for two years, beginning in 1924. Macon was encouraged to establish an airport after the first airmail plane arrived, which did not land due to conflicts between city and county officials.
Macon grew into a flourishing city in Georgia by the twentieth century. It came out to be a transportation center for the state. New York Times recognized Macon as “The Central City.”