Did You Know? Augusta Facts from 1950-1999

1. Fort Gordon became a permanent U.S. Army installation, playing a vital role in military training after 1950.

2. The legendary James Brown, born in Augusta, recorded his breakthrough hit “Please, Please, Please” in 1956, launching his iconic career.

3. Augusta gained global recognition in the golf world during the 1950s, as The Masters Tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club grew in prestige.

4. In 1958, Augusta College transitioned to a state-supported institution, expanding educational opportunities in the region.

5. Gary Player became the first international golfer to win The Masters at Augusta National in 1970, adding global appeal to the tournament.

6. Lucy Craft Laney High School in Augusta was integrated in 1965, marking a significant moment during the Civil Rights Movement.

7. The Savannah River Plant, later known as the Savannah River Site, started producing nuclear materials in 1953, bringing significant economic development to the Augusta area.

8. At just 21 years old, Tiger Woods made history in 1997 as the youngest winner of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National.

9. The Augusta Museum of History relocated to its current home in 1980, preserving Augusta’s rich cultural heritage.

10. Eisenhower Army Medical Center at Fort Gordon opened its doors in 1954, providing care for military families.

11. A modernized law enforcement facility, the Richmond County Law Enforcement Center, was unveiled in 1990.

12. Augusta National’s green jacket ceremony, now an iconic tradition, began with The Masters Tournament in 1976.

13. Since opening in 1955, the Bell Auditorium has been a premier venue for major concerts and events in Augusta.

14. The Children’s Hospital of Georgia, which opened in 1995, quickly became a key healthcare provider in the region.

15. In recognition of its historic and industrial importance, the Augusta Canal was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975.

16. Maynard Jackson, an Augusta native, made history in 1968 when he was elected mayor of Atlanta, becoming the first African American mayor of a major Southern city.

17. Augusta State University hosted its first international symposium on Southern culture in 1994, bringing scholars from around the world.

18. The Augusta Fire Department took a progressive step toward equality by integrating its workforce in 1960.

19. In 1981, President Ronald Reagan visited the Augusta Civic Center during his national tour, drawing a crowd of thousands.

20. Richmond County and Augusta unified their public school systems in 1973, creating one district for the entire city and county.

21. Significant changes came to Augusta National Golf Club when Hootie Johnson assumed the role of chairman in 1996.

22. The opening of Augusta Mall in 1978 turned the area into a major shopping destination for the region.

23. In 1957, the Augusta Symphony Orchestra performed its first full season of concerts, enriching the local arts scene.

24. The historic Laney-Walker District of Augusta was recognized as a historic district in 1961, honoring its cultural and social significance.

25. Augusta Technical College was founded in 1980, offering technical education to the growing community.

26. In 1991, Augusta National hosted the U.S. Amateur Championship, a prestigious event in the world of amateur golf.

27. The Downtown Historic District of Augusta was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975, protecting its architectural heritage.

28. After undergoing renovations in 1958, the Imperial Theatre remained a key venue for Augusta’s live performances and films.

29. The Savannah River Site, pivotal during the Cold War, continued operations throughout the 1990s, supporting nuclear research and production.

30. An international broadcast of The Masters Tournament was first established in 1985, bringing the Augusta event to a global audience.

31. In 1990, the Augusta Arts Council was formed to promote the local arts community and support creative initiatives.

32. Ebenezer Baptist Church, a landmark in Augusta’s African American community, celebrated its 100th anniversary in 1962.

33. Celebrating its 100th anniversary in 1979, Paine College marked a century of providing education to African American students in Augusta.

34. The Riverwalk Augusta was completed in 1993, creating a beautiful scenic walkway along the Savannah River for residents and tourists.

35. In 1966, The Masters became the first major golf tournament to be broadcast in color, bringing the Augusta event to a much wider audience.

36. The Medical College of Georgia expanded its research facilities in 1989, becoming a leader in medical advancements.

37. Recognizing the city’s dedication to urban forestry, Augusta was designated a Tree City USA in 1998.

38. The first full-length concert by the Augusta Symphony Orchestra was performed in 1951, a milestone in the city’s cultural development.

39. Fort Gordon became the headquarters of the U.S. Army Signal Corps in 1974, continuing to play a critical role in military operations.

40. Augusta National Golf Club underwent major renovations in 1987, modernizing its facilities while preserving the club’s historic charm.

41. In 1999, the Augusta Canal National Heritage Area was established, further highlighting the city’s industrial and historical importance.

42. A new era began for Augusta Junior College in 1955 when its campus was relocated to Walton Way.

43. The Richmond County Courthouse was modernized in 1977, providing updated facilities for the city’s judicial system.

44. Augusta Technical College celebrated its first graduating class in 1992, providing skilled workers for the local economy.

45. The Augusta Regional Airport was expanded in 1983, adding new terminals and increasing its capacity for regional and national flights.

46. After extensive restoration in 1994, the Sacred Heart Cultural Center reopened, hosting events and cultural activities.

47. The city launched an urban renewal program in 1965, which included public housing projects and infrastructure improvements.

48. The Augusta Sports Council was formed in 1986, promoting sports and tourism in the city.

49. Augusta Memorial Stadium, a venue for local sports and community events, opened in 1953.

50. In 1991, the Augusta Arts Festival was launched, celebrating the city’s arts and culture scene.

51. Broad Street saw significant revitalization efforts in 1971, with new businesses and storefronts boosting the local economy.

52. Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History opened its doors in 1960, honoring one of Augusta’s most important African American educators.

53. In 1982, the Imperial Theatre was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, securing its future as a cultural landmark.

54. Augusta’s Law Enforcement Center, opened in 1990, provided modern facilities for the city’s law enforcement agencies.

55. Tiger Woods made his Masters debut at Augusta National in 1996, beginning his legendary professional golf career.

56. Elvis Presley performed to a sold-out crowd at The Bell Auditorium in 1977, one of his final live performances.

57. The Augusta GreenJackets, the city’s minor league baseball team, played their first season at Lake Olmstead Stadium in 1995.

58. The Augusta Symphony Orchestra gained national attention in 1967 when it performed its first televised concert.

59. The Medical College of Georgia opened its new cancer research center in 1970, contributing to advancements in cancer treatments.

60. The Augusta Canal was officially designated a National Heritage Area in 1998, recognizing its historical importance.

61. The Augusta Symphony Orchestra began its musical journey with its first performance in 1951.

62. A significant expansion of the Augusta Regional Airport took place in 1984, boosting the city’s air travel capabilities.

63. In 1993, the Augusta Sports Council was formed to promote the city as a destination for sports events.

64. The Augusta National Golf Club completed a major renovation of its course in 1999, enhancing its world-class reputation.

65. In 1952, Augusta’s Paine College celebrated a milestone with the construction of Collins-Callaway Library, expanding the institution’s academic resources.

66. The Augusta Civic Center, completed in 1974, became the city’s go-to venue for conventions, concerts, and large gatherings.

67. The Medical College of Georgia in Augusta established its first School of Nursing program in 1968, addressing the region’s need for healthcare professionals.

68. Augusta National Golf Club continued to innovate, adding its first set of underground irrigation systems in 1959 to maintain the famous greens.

69. In 1991, Augusta made a major urban renewal push by restoring many historic homes in the Summerville Historic District.

70. The Riverwalk along the Savannah River, which was completed in 1993, became a key attraction for both locals and tourists, offering scenic views and events.

71. In 1975, the Augusta Arts Council began coordinating art events throughout the city, expanding Augusta’s cultural offerings.

72. Augusta Regional Airport, originally known as Bush Field, completed a significant expansion in 1984, helping it become a vital hub for regional flights.

73. In 1998, Augusta’s Richmond Academy celebrated its 215th anniversary, continuing its legacy as one of the oldest schools in the U.S.

74. Fort Gordon played a critical role in U.S. military communications, particularly after becoming home to the Signal Corps in 1974.

75. In 1956, the Augusta Canal was repurposed to support hydroelectric power, helping modernize the city’s infrastructure.

76. Augusta Mall, which opened in 1978, became one of the largest retail spaces in Georgia, drawing visitors from surrounding areas.

77. The Bell Auditorium, after renovations in 1995, continued to attract big-name performers and large events to Augusta.

78. In 1970, Tiger Woods would not be born for another five years, but Charlie Sifford paved the way for African American golfers when he broke the color barrier at The Masters.

79. The Imperial Theatre was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982, making sure its preservation for future generations.

80. In 1960, Ebenezer Baptist Church in Augusta commemorated its 100th anniversary, celebrating its enduring impact on the local community.

81. Augusta’s role in healthcare grew in 1995 with the founding of the Children’s Hospital of Georgia, specializing in pediatric care.

82. In 1953, Augusta’s Memorial Stadium became the city’s premier venue for high school football and local sports competitions.

83. Richmond County’s Courthouse, completed in 1977, became the administrative heart of Augusta’s legal system.

84. In 1986, Augusta hosted its first Ironman Triathlon, attracting athletes from across the country to test their endurance along the city’s scenic routes.

85. The Augusta Futurity, an annual equestrian event, became a major draw for horse enthusiasts in the 1980s, further solidifying Augusta’s reputation in the world of cutting horses.

86. In 1955, the Augusta Symphony began performing seasonal concerts, enriching the city’s music culture for decades to come.

87. Augusta saw an influx of military families in 1973, as Fort Gordon expanded its base and operations for the U.S. Army.

88. In 1996, Tiger Woods competed in his first Masters Tournament, becoming a household name in Augusta and the world of professional golf.

89. The Riverwalk, a major downtown revitalization project completed in 1993, offered scenic walking paths and event spaces along the Savannah River.

90. In 1971, Broad Street was revitalized as Augusta’s business district expanded with new storefronts and cafes.

91. The Augusta GreenJackets, a minor league baseball team, debuted at Lake Olmstead Stadium in 1995, drawing local sports fans.

92. In 1967, Augusta integrated its school system, following the civil rights movements sweeping through the South.

93. Augusta State University held its first International Southern Studies Symposium in 1994, cementing its academic role in cultural studies.

94. In 1979, Paine College celebrated its centennial, marking 100 years as an educational institution dedicated to serving African American students.

95. The Masters Tournament introduced live color TV broadcasts in 1966, bringing Augusta’s renowned event to a global audience.

96. In 1992, Augusta celebrated the completion of its historic district revitalization efforts, preserving many of the city’s oldest homes and buildings.

97. Elvis Presley performed one of his final concerts at The Bell Auditorium in 1977, drawing thousands of fans.

98. The Augusta National Golf Club expanded its course in 1987, proving it is has a lifetime place as one of the most challenging and prestigious in the sport.

99. Augusta Technical College opened in 1980, offering technical education and workforce development programs to residents.

100. Fort Gordon expanded its role as the U.S. Army Signal Center throughout the 1990s, cementing its importance in military communications.